Points to remember:

1. A gerund is a verbal ending in -ing that is used as a noun.

2. A gerund phrase consists of a gerund plus modifier(s), object(s), and/or complement(s).

3. Gerunds and gerund phrases virtually never require punctuation. Gerund as subject:

♣ Traveling might satisfy your desire for new experiences.

c.f.: The study abroad program might satisfy your desire for new experiences.

● We usually use the empty subject it with a clause or to-infinitive, but with the v-ing form we prefer the real subject at the beginning

Studying English is sometimes boring.

Using the right hand to shake hands is a convention in many countries.

Playing chess requires great concentration.

Speaking English is always useful when traveling abroad.

● After it is not good/ it is no use /etc., we usually use the v-ing form as the real subject of the sentence.

♣ It(formal subject) is no use/ no good/ fun / a waste of time/ a good pleasure, etc. + doing...

It is no good writing to him; he never answers letters.

It is no use your complaining; the company won't do anything about it.

It's no use saying, ''We are doing our best.'' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.

♣ It(formal subject) is useless/ nice/ good/ interesting/ worthwhile, etc. + doing...

It is worth driving to the lake to have a look around.

It is good playing chess after supper.

It is useless speaking.

♣ There is(was) no + doing

There is no denying that she is very efficient.

There is no telling what he is going to do.