What part of speech is hoping?

"Hoping" can be two different parts of speech depending on its use:

1. Verb: This is the most common usage. It is the present participle of the verb "to hope."

* Example: "I am hoping for good weather tomorrow."

2. Gerund: When "hoping" functions as a noun, it is a gerund.

* Example: "Hoping is a powerful emotion."

Let me know if you'd like more examples!