Question

Choose the correct option to replace the word(s) given in brackets:
 (Smoke) is injurious to health.
(A) Smoking
(B) To smoke
(C) To smoking
(D) Smoke to

Answer 1

Hint:A gerund is any of various non-finite verb forms in various languages; most often, but not exclusively, one that functions as a noun. In English, it has the properties of both verb and noun, such as being modifiable by an adverb and being able to take a direct object.

Complete answer:
Gerunds are words that are formed but function as nouns with verbs. Gerunds are also seen to end in 'ing' at times. In this specific sentence, by taking up the object, the word can behave as a noun and thus become the subject of the sentence and as a verb. This means we will like a gerund in the blank one.

Option A: Smoking is a gerund as it behaves in the sentence as a noun as well as a verb
Option B and Option D: The present tense of the same verb is smoke. It doesn't function as a noun. Options C: It does not function as a noun, although it ends with '-ing'. Option A is right

Hence the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note:Gerunds should be used with possessive pronouns (my, your, her), and not object pronouns (me, him etc). Note that this rule is not strictly observed especially in the case of proper nouns. The possessive case should not be used with the gerund when the noun denotes a lifeless thing.