<P> These functions could be fulfilled by other abstract nouns derived from verbs such as vẽnãtiõ' hunting' . Gerunds are distinct in two ways . </P> <Ol> <Li> Every Latin verb can regularly form a gerund </Li> <Li> A gerund may function syntactically in the same way as a finite verb . Typically the gerund of a finite verb may be followed by a direct object e.g. ad discernendum vocis verbis figuras' for discerning figures of speech', hominem investigando opera dabo' I will devote effort to investigating the man' . </Li> </Ol> <Li> Every Latin verb can regularly form a gerund </Li> <Li> A gerund may function syntactically in the same way as a finite verb . Typically the gerund of a finite verb may be followed by a direct object e.g. ad discernendum vocis verbis figuras' for discerning figures of speech', hominem investigando opera dabo' I will devote effort to investigating the man' . </Li>

What is the function of the gerund phrase in this sentence by using common sense