* Nicole: The subject of the sentence.
* loving dancing: This is a gerund phrase.
Function of the gerund phrase:
In this case, the gerund phrase "loving dancing" acts as a predicate nominative.
Here's why:
* Predicate nominative: A predicate nominative renames or identifies the subject of the sentence. It follows a linking verb (like "is," "are," "was," "were," "seems," "appears," "becomes," etc.).
* Linking verb: There is no linking verb in the sentence "Nicole loving dancing." This sentence is grammatically incomplete.
To make the sentence grammatically correct, we need a linking verb. Here are some examples:
* Nicole is loving dancing. (Here, "loving dancing" is the predicate nominative renaming "Nicole.")
* Nicole's passion is loving dancing. (Here, "loving dancing" renames "passion.")
In summary: While the phrase "loving dancing" is a gerund phrase, its function is unclear in the incomplete sentence "Nicole loving dancing." A linking verb is needed to make the sentence grammatically correct and reveal the function of the gerund phrase.