1. Gerund: A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun. Examples include: *swimming*, *running*, *reading*.
2. Predicate Noun: A predicate noun is a noun that renames or identifies the subject of the sentence. It follows a linking verb (like "is," "are," "was," "were," "seems," etc.).
Example:
* "My favorite hobby is *reading*."
In this sentence:
* "Hobby" is the subject.
* "Is" is the linking verb.
* "Reading" is the predicate noun. It renames "hobby" and tells us what the subject is.
Important Note: While a gerund can act as a predicate noun, it's not the only type of noun that can. Any noun can be used as a predicate noun as long as it renames the subject.
Here are more examples of gerunds used as predicate nouns:
* "Her biggest fear is *speaking* in public."
* "His favorite activity is *playing* basketball."
* "The best part of the day is *eating* breakfast."
Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other grammar questions!