Gerund function

 A gerund always ends with “-ing.”

 A gerund is always a noun.
 A gerund can function in any way a noun can function.
 A gerund is always singular

1. Hiking makes me excited= Subject

2. I love hiking = Direct Object
3. I am never tired of hiking = Object of the preposition
4. Shopping is an expensive hobby = always singular
 MORE EXAMPLES OF GERUND

Predicate= It talks about the subject, it completes with a linking verb like Be
 GERUNDS AS SUBJECTS:

 Reading is relaxing.
 Writing is an exchange of ideas.
 Swimming laps is the most relaxing activity in the world
 Filing papers can give you a paper cut.

GERUNDS AS DIRECT OBJECTS

 I enjoy shopping with friends. (verb = enjoy; enjoy what? shopping with

friends)
 My friends anticipated our trying on new shoes. (verb = anticipated;
anticipated what? trying on new shoes)

GERUND AS A PREDICATE NOUN

1.My favorite activity is reading,

2.His only focus was improving the lives of others

3. Dawn's favorite pastime is swimming in the Atlantic. (Swimming in the

Atlantic is identifying the noun "pastime.")

GERUNDS AS OBJECT OF THE PREPOSITION

 Her joy in preparing for company was obvious. (preposition = in)

 Since completing his degree, his opportunities are endless. (preposition
= since)

 after

After having a shower, I waited for Steven.

 before

The tablet must not be taken before getting up in the morning.

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/gerund_prepositions.htm

GERUNDS AFTER PREPOSITION