What is the difference between gerund and a present participle???

Dear Student,

The present participle has the same form as the gerund. The difference is in how they are used.  

Present participle is the verb form. For instance,

• I love sleeping on a beach.

• They go swimming every week.

However, a gerund uses the verb form as a noun. For instance,

• Swimming is a good exercise.

• Laughing helps you stay healthy.

Here, note that the words 'swimming' and 'laughing' are not verbs but name of an activity used as a noun.

Regards