The Functions of the Gerund

The Gerund is used as:

1) a Subject: Advertising is very helpful.

2) Part of a Compound Predicate:

All he wanted was leaving the place at once.

The baby started crying.

3) an Object: Would you mind my opening the window?

4) an Attribute: He has no plans of expanding the company.

5) Adverbial modifiers of:

a) manner: He began the lecture by explaining the general look at the problem.

b ) time: After merging with another company they became the monopolists.

c ) purpose: These devices are used for cleaning.