In which of the following sentences is the underlined word a gerund?

The correct answer is Option (4) → Ankit is very good at solving riddles.

Gerund (an -ing word used as a noun):

• A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. It can be the subject of a verb, its object, or come after a preposition.
• Here “solving” comes after the preposition “at”. Ankit is good at what? At solving riddles. So “solving” works as a noun and is a gerund.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect?

Option 1: The shining brass pots were kept in a row for the puja. — Incorrect. “Shining” stands before “brass pots” and describes them. It is a present participle used as an adjective, not a gerund.

Option 2: Neha is feeding the pigeons on the balcony. — Incorrect. “Feeding” is part of the verb “is feeding”, which shows an action going on. It is a present participle, not a gerund.

Option 3: Hearing the thunder, the cows ran back to the shed. — Incorrect. “Hearing the thunder” tells us about the cows. “Hearing” is a present participle, not a gerund.