Gerunds as Nouns:
* Subject: *Swimming* is my favorite exercise.
* Object of a Verb: I enjoy *reading*.
* Object of a Preposition: I am interested in *learning* new languages.
* Appositive: My hobby, *writing*, helps me relax.
* Predicate Nominative: My favorite pastime is *baking*.
Gerunds as Adjectives:
* Gerunds can't directly function as adjectives. However, they can be used in noun phrases where they describe the noun:
* The *running* shoes were brand new. (The shoes were designed for running.)
* We watched the *swimming* competition. (The competition involved swimming.)
Gerunds as Adverbs:
* Gerunds can't directly function as adverbs. However, they can be used as part of prepositional phrases that function as adverbs:
* *By studying* diligently, she aced the test. (The phrase "by studying" modifies the verb "aced" and tells us how she aced it.)
* He finished the project *without complaining*. (The phrase "without complaining" modifies the verb "finished" and tells us how he finished it.)
Important Note: While gerunds themselves can't function as adjectives or adverbs directly, they are often used in phrases that *do* serve those grammatical roles.