The gerund is a non-finite verb form that can function as a noun in English grammar. It's formed by adding the suffix -ing to the stem of the verb.
As a natural result of its origin and development the gerund has nominal and verbal nature.
Nominal:
- The gerund can perform the function of subject, object and predicative
They say smoking leads to meditation - Subject
I like making people happy - Object
The duty of all progressive mankind is fighting for peace - Predicative
- Can be preceded by a preposition - I am very, very tired of rowing
- Like a noun the gerund can be modified by a noun in possessive case or by a possessive pronoun
Is there any objection to my seeing her? - Кто-нибудь возражает против того, чтобы я повидался с ней?
Verbal characteristics(=participle):
- The gerund of transitive verbs can take a direct object
I had now made a good progress in understanding and speaking their language
- Can be modified by an adverb - She burst out crying bitterly
-The Gerund has tense distinctions; the gerund of transitive verbs has also voice distinctions
