gerund

[allthewayanime]

How can I know if the word used is a noun or a gerund? For instance 'loving' can only be an adjective or a verb, but 'flashing' can be both an on-going action and a noun( that's why it takes the plural form 'flashings')?

[Barb_D]

You have to look at the word in context, that's all.

There's a can of olives on the counter.
Can you hand it to me?

Did you have any trouble understanding the role of "can" in those sentences?

[Tdol]

For instance 'loving' can only be an adjective or a verb

Where did you get this from and how are you defining a verb? Loving can be a gerund.

[Barb_D]

And song writers are grateful for that.

Loving you... isn't the right thing to do.