Which of the following describes a gerund and how it functions in a sentence?

A gerund is a noun that functions as the direct object receiving the action in a sentence.
A gerund is a noun that functions as the direct object receiving the action in a sentence.

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence.
A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence.

A gerund is a noun that functions as the subject of a sentence.
A gerund is a noun that functions as the subject of a sentence.

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a verb in a sentence.

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence.

The correct answer is:

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence.

The correct answer is: A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence.

To identify a gerund and understand how it functions in a sentence, you should look for a verb ending in -ing that is used as a noun. Gerunds can act as subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, objects of prepositions, or predicate nouns.

For example, in the sentence "Swimming is my favorite hobby," the word "swimming" is a gerund because it is a verb (swim) ending in -ing and it functions as the subject of the sentence.

In another example, in the sentence "I enjoy dancing," the word "dancing" is a gerund because it is a verb (dance) ending in -ing and it functions as the direct object of the verb "enjoy."

So, a gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence.