Your question is missing the sentence that should be analyzed. I've found the compete question online. It is as follows:
When at the beach, Carina is often applying sunscreen so that she will not go home with burning skin.
Which statement correctly describes the verb function in this sentence?
The word “is” is a verb that functions as a verb, and “applying” is a verb that functions as a noun.
The word “applying” is a verb that functions as a noun, and “go” is a verb that functions as a verb.
The word “applying” is a verb that functions as a verb, and “burning” is a verb that functions as an adjective.
The word “go” is a verb that functions as a verb, and “burning” is a verb that functions as a noun.
Answer:
The correct answer is letter c. The word "applying" is a verb that functions as a verb, and "burning" is a verb that functions as an adjective.
Explanation:
When verbs are modified by the addition of -ing at the end, we either have a gerund or a present participle. Gerunds function as nouns, which means they can be the subject, the object, or the subject complement in the sentence. Present participles function as adjectives or as verbs that are part of a continuous tense.
In the sentence we are analyzing here, the word "applying" is part of a present continuous tense. That means it is a present participle, and it is functioning as a verb. The word "burning" is also a present participle, functioning as an adjective that accompanies and modifies the noun "skin". Therefore, the correct option is letter c. The correct answer is letter c. The word "applying" is a verb that functions as a verb, and "burning" is a verb that functions as an adjective.
