* Gerund: A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun.
* Phrase: A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject and verb.
In the phrase "planning to succeed", the verb "planning" is in the gerund form. The entire phrase acts as a noun, answering the question "What?". For example:
* "Planning to succeed is important." Here, "planning to succeed" is the subject of the sentence.
Let me know if you'd like more examples!