The verbals have tense and voice distinction

The functions of the Gerund
The Gerund can be used as:

1. 
   The subject:
   

Talking mends no holes.
Teaching clever students is a pleasure..
Bob’s answering in negative destroyed all their plans.
It’s no use talking like that to me.
There was no mistaking the expression on her face.

2. 
   A predicative
   

The best remedy for any disease or any trouble is going to bed.
“sleep it off”, clever people say.

3. 
   A part of compound verbal predicate
   

The boy couldn’t help admiring the boxes.
She began sobbing.
They continued walking.
Ann ceased (stopped) talking.

4. 
   An object
   

I hate riding.
I don’t mind his helping me.

5. 
   An attribute (the Gerund is always preceded by a preposition
   

She is born with the gift of winning hearts.

6. 
   An adverbial modifier of:
   

1. 
   Time ( after, before, on, upon, in, at)
   

Before going to bed, she switched off all the lights.
On reaching home, he phoned his mother.

2. 
   Manner ( by, in)
   

She startled everybody by bursting into laugher.
The day was spend in planting flowers.

3. 
   Attendant circumstances ( without)
   

They left the room without saying a word.

4. 
   Purpose (for)
   

The room was not used for sleeping.

5. 
   Condition ( without)
   

You shouldn’t go to party without being invited.

6. 
   Cause ( for, for fear of, owing to)
   

The girl kept silent for fear of making a fool of herself.

7. 
   Concession (in spite of)
   

In spite of raining heavily they went to the museum.
Prepositions are important in distinguishing Gerund from Participle I.