I like reading novels. Here, "reading" is a/an -

I like reading novels. Here, "reading" is a Gerund.

- এখানে 'like' verb -এর object হিসেবে reading হলো Gerund.

• Gerund:
- যদি noun ও verb এর কাজ করে তাহলে তাকে gerund বলে।
- Gerund হলো এমন একটি verb form যা -ing দিয়ে শেষ হয় এবং বাক্যে noun এর মতো কাজ করে।

• Gerund বিভিন্নভাবে ব্যবহৃত হয়-
1. Subject of the verb:
- Swimming is a good exercise.
- Giving is better than receiving.

2. Object of a transitive verb:
- I like reading poetry.
- Working is praying.

3. Object of a preposition:
- I am fond of catching fish.
- I am tired of writing.

4. By + Gerund:
- By eating a balanced diet, you can live well.

5. Without + Gerund:
- Without working hard, you cannot succeed.

6. As Verbal Noun (The + Gerund + of):
- The reading of history is interesting.

Source: SSC Programme, Bangladesh Open University.