Locate the gerund. since it is used as a noun, determine its noun use.

john has finally lost interest in collecting stamps.

A gerund is a word which takes the verb form -ing, but functions as a noun. The gerund in the given sentence is the word "collecting". The gerund in this sentence is used as a direct object. A direct object is a noun, that directly receives the action of the transitive verb and usually answers the question "what?". In this sentence, John has finally lost interest in what? The answer is collecting stamps.

To describe a new way of thinking that could be relied on

Idon’t know what the answer is i wish i could