Which best identifies and explains the function of the word taking as it is used in this sentence?

patricia always enjoys taking selfies at the swim meets.

a. in the selected sentence, the word taking is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as the subject.
b. in the selected sentence, the word taking is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as a direct object.
c. in the selected sentence, the word taking is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as a subject complement.
d. in the selected sentence, the word taking is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as the object of the preposition.

The correct answer is B. In the selected sentence, the word "taking" is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as a direct object.    

Explanation:

In grammar, words can be of different types including verbs, nouns, prepositions, adjectives, and adverbs and accomplish different functions in a sentence including subject, verb, complement, direct or indirect object. Because of this, the type and function of a word in a sentence varies according to the sentence itself and the words that surround the word to be studied.

In the case presented "Patricia always enjoys taking selfies at the swim meets" the word "taking" can be classified as a gerund, considering this word ends in -ing and this case as it is combined with the word "taking" it does not act as a verb, but as a noun, which are the main features of gerund. On the other hand, the word is placed after the main action or verb "enjoy" and it is directly affected by it, which means it functions as the direct object of the sentence considering the direct object is the object that is recipient of the action and answers to the question "what does Patricia enjoys". Thus, it can be concluded, " In the selected sentence, the word taking is a gerund, and the gerund phrase functions as a direct object".

answer: do

the 'italicized phrase' is a noun clause that is used as a direct object.

in the quotation from passage, connie willis states that literature is a way for authors from the past to communicate with readers of today. we can read their stories, books, and other texts to learn lessons about life. willis refers to these lessons as messages “from beyond the grave.” willis has a favorable viewpoint about the timelessness of literature.