What is a gerund?

Gerund is a verbal noun. When the verb form 'ING' functions as a naming part, it is gerund. 

In simple language, a gerund looks like a verb, but it is actually a noun. 

A gerund is the name of a habit. 

Examples: Acting, Painting, Dancing, Travelling etc.

Let us distinguish a gerund from a verb.

• He is travelling. (here, 'travelling' is a verb, as it shows action.
• He likes travelling. (here, 'travelling' is a gerund, as it shows the name of a habit).

Functions of a gerund:

A gerund can act as:

a subject- Smoking is injurious to health.

an object- He hates smoking.

a complement to a verb- His hobby is gardening.

after a preposition- I believe in helping others.

There are some verbs which take a gerund. Some of them are: 

avoid, dislike, detest, enjoy, finish, imagine, keep, like, look forward to, mind, miss, prevent, resist, risk. etc.

Sentences:

I avoid blaming others.

He keeps smiling.

I look forward to hearing from you.