Глагольные формы с -ING, инфинитив с частицей TO или без употребляются в английском языке в разных ситуациях: 

1. как подлежащее

Adapting old buildings for new functions is difficult.

To prevent the destruction of the elevated railway, the residents formed a protest group.

2. как дополнение

Dorothy enjoys finding interesting pieces of furniture.

Dorothy's husband wanted to help.

3. После глагола BE

The purpose of the National Trust is saving beautiful old buildings.

Claire's intention was to paint a picture of her cat.

4. После существительного или прилагательного 

There are tenants waiting for the building to be ready.

The council took a long time to decide what to do about the banking house.

It's important to consider the interior as well as the facade.

5. В придаточном предложении с инфинитивом перед подлежащим нужно использовать предлог FOR.

It's essential for the architects to reduce the budget.

6. Глагол + дополнение + -ING clause

В формальном английском языке в составе группы с -ING используются притяжательные формы.

We didn't like them changing the use of the building. (informal/spoken)

The council objected to their changing the use of the building. (formal)

7. Глагол + continuous infinitive

The figures seem to be telling us that people want to see the museum's permanent collection.

8. Глагол + IN ORDER TO/SO AS TO

Building must evolve and adapt in order to stay useful.

The design changed so as to retain the facade.