Quiz on Gerunds and Infinitives – Taiwan’s Economic Problems

Part 1: Rewrite the sentence using the gerund form of the word in parentheses.

Note that additional words may have to be added to make the sentence

grammatically correct.

1. Taiwanese are used to ___(face)___ many problems.

2. ___(identify)___ the problems Taiwan faces is the first step policymakers must take.

3. __(lower)___ unemployment is an important goal for the future.

4. Policymakers are concentrated on __(reduce)__ the rate of unemployment.

5. Banks influence interest rates __(competing)__ with each other.

6. __(lose)__ your job can be a devastating experience.

7. Simply __(complain)__ about the economy will not make things better.

8. __(grow)__ the economy is the primary focus of the tax cut.

9. __(invest)__ in Mainland China can be a risky business.

10. The central bank is usually charged with the responsibility __(stable)__ the price

level.

11. __(rise)__ interest rates is one way to reduce inflationary pressure.

12. The Ministry of Finance has the responsibility __(maintain)__ a stable

source of revenue.

13. __(produce)__ more output per worker hour is the same __(rise)__ productivity.

14. __(know)__ what to do in a crisis distinguishes true leaders from all the rest.

15. __(devalue)__ a currency sometimes leads to inflationary pressure.

Part 2: Choose the appropriate infinitive in the sentences below

1. The central bank’s advisory board is expected __(announcing)__ the minutes to its

last meeting.

2. The best way __(getting)__ the unemployment rate down is __(get)__ the economy

moving. (First infinitive used as an adjective, second used as a noun).

3. The government wants __(stable)__ the economy. .

4. It is difficult __(forecasting)__ the future direction of the economy.

5. Excessive growth of the money supply is something __(avoiding)__.

(Note: here the infinitive is used as an adjective modifying the word “something”)

6. I want __(understanding)__ the overall structure of the economy.

7. If policymakers make wrong decisions there is not always time __(correcting)__ their

mistakes . (Infinitive again used as an adjective modifying “time”)

8. It is easy __(calculating)__ the rate of inflation.

9. It is important __(acting)__ in a timely manner whenever a problem arises.

10. Most people just want __(living)__ their lives in peace.

Part 3: Gerunds and Present Participles

Identify which word is a gerund and which is a present participle. Also determine how the word or phrase is being used – i.e., its grammatical function. Remember a gerund is always used as a noun. Present participles can be used as verbs or as adjectives.

1. It seems like the MOF is merely sitting on its hands.

2. Laughing the question off, the Minister gave too simple a reply for my taste.

3. Raising the rate of growth of money is essential to get the economy going again.

4. Mainland China has made threatening noises from across the Straits.

5. Threatening Taiwan has become very commonplace for China these days.

6. Take a look in the operating manual to see if your question is answered there.

7. Operating a major corporation is not easy by any means.

8. I took the smiling baby in my hands and gently patted its head.

9. He was smiling at me and at me alone.

10. I was called on the carpet for using the telephone too often.

Part 4: Find and correct the grammatical errors in the following sentences

1. the public is their .

2. Our basic plan is the public government.

3. government use as a tool social policy.

4. Government is and therefore the is .

5. when there is a price level.

6. inflammatory can only a bad situation.

7. The central bank steps uncertainty in the economy.

8. Taiwan advantage of China’s market.

9. They more money their .

10. more money expenditures not the.

11. The problem of is a money supply too.

12. Budget should not be on the of the class.

13. It is important exactly the NT$ is .

14. interest , the central bank bonds.

15. the economy may in the level.

16. Heavy generally a currency.

17. He output, but the company at full.

18. government spending without taxes will result in an

fiscal .

19. in Taiwan .

20. no for alarm.