A helpful tip for determining whether an -ing phrase is a gerund phrase or a participial phrase is to try replacing the -ing phrase with a pronoun.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the sentence still makes sense after replacing the -ing phrase with a pronoun, the -ing phrase is likely a gerund phrase (functioning as a noun). If the sentence doesn't make sense, the -ing phrase is likely a participial phrase (functioning as an adjective).

A Helpful Tip for Determining Whether an -Ing Phrase Is