As a result, English and other widely spoken languages have become more easily understood by all who speak them, and the rules make it easier for others to learn the languages. English grammar terminology comes largely from Latin, and over the centuries there have been problems trying to fit English to a Latin mold. Ordinarily we expect a noun to name, but it can also modify, both adjectivally and adverbially as in fence post or a mile high. When one part of speech substitutes for another, it remains what it is. It does not change according to the function it is being used for.
Fence is a noun used to modify post adjectivally.
A mile is a noun used to modify high adverbially. Verbs, in any of their verbal forms, are used to name, to modify adverbially, or to modify adjectivally. Phrases are just as versatile. Too often teachers and others confuse the name of the word with its function. The term gerund, as explained before, only confuses the student.