Locate the gerund or gerund phrase and identify its noun function in the sentence.

I helped by preparing dinner.

Is it preparing dinner and function is direct object?

3 answers

Yes, "preparing dinner" is the gerund phrase. But it's the object of the preposition "by," not a direct object.
locate the gerund or gerund phrase and identify its noun function in the sentence " i helped by preparing dinner"
May I have permission to use the car tonight?

function of infinitive: