Functions of gerunds

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? I was afraid of hurting her feelings.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? Swimming is my favorite sport.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? The gardener finished cutting the grass.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? George likes photographing birds.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? We started working on the project yesterday.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? I am fond of playing chess.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? Will you help me with carrying these boxes upstairs?

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? Carol's problem is caring too much what people think about her.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? My family is accustomed to eating a small dinner.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition

What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? We're excited about visiting Hawaii.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Predicate noun

• object of a preposition