nicole is loving dancing. the gerund is "dancing" and its noun function is: direct object of the verb "is loving".
the greatest pleasure is giving. gerund/gerund phrase: giving; noun function: predicate nominative.
by preparing, justin was able to pass the test with flying colors. gerund or gerund phrase: preparing noun function: object of a preposition.
her daughter likes climbing trees. gerund or gerund phrase: climbing trees. noun function: direct object.
going for the gold was the team's motto. gerund or gerund phrase: going for the gold. noun function: subject.
is it me or #5 and #4 are the same question?