-ing forms We can use the -ing form of the verb: as a noun: I love swimming.
Swimming is very good for your health.
You can get fit by swimming regularly.

-ing nouns are nearly always uncount nouns

We can use the -ing form of the verb: as an adjective: The main problem today is rising prices.
That programme was really boring.
He saw a woman lying on the floor.

... an object: ... or an adverbial: ... or a clause: Because the -ing noun or adjective is formed from a verb it can have any of the patterns which follow a verb, for example: ... an object: I like playing tennis.
I saw a dog chasing a cat. ... or an adverbial: You can earn a lot of money by working hard.
There were several people waiting for the bus. ... or a clause: I heard someone saying that.

The -ing noun can be used: as the subject of a verb: Learning English is not easy. as the object of a verb: We enjoy learning English. as the object of a preposition Some people are not interested in learning English.

The -ing adjective can come: in front of a noun: I read an interesting article in the newspaper today.
We saw a really exciting match on Sunday. after a noun: Who is that man standing over there?
The boy talking to Angela is her younger brother. and especially after verbs like see, watch, hear, smell etc. I heard someone playing the piano.
I can smell something burning.

The infinitive is used to express purpose: I’m studying at university to improve my job opportunities. He’s been going to the gym to lose weight.

Some verbs have the pattern N + V + to+infinitive: They agreed to help.
 We decided to go.

Some verbs have the pattern N + V + N + to+infinitive: She told him to go home.
 They advised us to wait.

gerund or infinitive Use the gerund (verb+ ing): after prepositions after certain verbs (e.g. like, love, hate, etc.) as the subject of a sentence What are you thinking of doing next summer? Ironing is one job I hate doing. Use to + infinitives: after adjectives after certain verbs (e.g. need, want, decide, etc.) to express purpose/reason Do you find it difficult to fall asleep? Do you want to go out tonight? I’m studying English to get a better job.

Common verbs that take the gerund (ing form): Like, love, hate, enjoy, mind, finish, stop Common verbs that take the to + inifinitive: would like, want, need, decide, hope, expect, plan, forget, seem, try, promise, offer, refuse, learn, manage