Participle versus gerund

This lesson looks at the immense confusion in distinguishing a gerund from a participle. A gerund functions as a noun, while a participle functions as an adjective. Nonetheless, we seem to use some ____ING verb forms as both at the same time! I hope this lesson manages to clear up at least some of the confusion. 1) I saw the Russian writing (2 meanings) 2) Smoking cigarettes is/are dangerous. (different meanings) 3) I don’t mind you/your smoking here. (gerund or participle?) 4) I don’t like Sarah / Sarah