* Verb: This is the most common use. It describes the action of moving smoothly through the air, often with wings.
* Example: "The birds were gliding effortlessly through the sky."
* Gerund: This is a verb that functions as a noun.
* Example: "Gliding is a peaceful way to experience nature."
* Adjective: While less common, it can sometimes describe something that is smooth or effortless.
* Example: "The gliding motion of the dancer was beautiful."
To determine the part of speech, you need to look at its function within the sentence.