The correct answer is option B. killing any sacred animals
Explanation:
A gerund phrase is a phrase consisting of a gerund, which is a noun formed by a verb root plus-ing, and any modifiers or objects associated with it. In a sentence, such gerund phrase functions as a noun and can act as a subject or an object.
In the particular sentence shown, <em>The ancient Egyptians avoided killing any sacred animals, </em>the words <em>killing any sacred animals</em> represent a gerund phrase since they fit the characteristics described before, acting in this sentence as an object.
Gerunds are created out of verbs but <em>function as nouns</em>. The gerund phrase <em>killing any sacred animals</em> is the direct object of the verb avoid. Gerund phrases always start with a<em> gerund</em>, <em>always functions as a noun, and they are always subjects, objects or object complements in sentences. </em>Example of a gerund phrase as a subject: <em>Eating ice cream</em> can be a good way to cool off.
