Which of the following sentences has a gerund ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 1 is correct because the word "parking" functions as a noun in the sentence "He found that parking was difficult." It's the subject of the verb "was." This is the defining characteristic of a gerund: a verb form ending in "-ing" that acts as a noun.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Option 2: He says he was waiting for a train.** The word "waiting" is part of the verb phrase "was waiting." It's functioning as a verb, not a noun. It's part of the continuous tense.

*   **Option 3: I saw flames rising and heard people shouting.** Both "rising" and "shouting" are participles modifying the nouns "flames" and "people," respectively. They describe the action the flames and people are doing. They are not acting as nouns.

*   **Option 4: I found him standing at the door.** The word "standing" is a participle modifying "him." It describes the state in which he was found. It's not functioning as a noun.