TEAS 7 practice questions › English and Language Usage
TEAS 7 English and Language Usage practice questions
9 free practice questions with answers and explanations. The English and Language Usage section tests grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, word choice and using context clues and word parts to work out meaning.
The English and Language Usage section at a glance
| Sub-area | Scored questions |
|---|---|
| Conventions of standard English | 12 |
| Knowledge of language | 11 |
| Using language and vocabulary to express ideas in writing | 10 |
Source: ATI TEAS content specifications. The remaining 4 questions are unscored pretest items, and you won't know which ones they are.
Practice questions
Answer each question first, then open “Show answer” to check yourself.
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
- The nurse checked the chart, then she called the pharmacy.
- The nurse checked the chart; then she called the pharmacy.
- The nurse checked the chart then, she called the pharmacy.
- The nurse, checked the chart then she called the pharmacy.
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The nurse checked the chart; then she called the pharmacy.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses. Option A is a comma splice.
Choose the correct verb: "Neither the nurses nor the doctor ___ available tonight."
- is
- are
- were
- be
Show answer
Correct answer: A. is
With "neither…nor," the verb agrees with the closer subject, "the doctor," which is singular: is.
Which word is spelled correctly?
- neccessary
- necesary
- necessary
- nesessary
Show answer
Correct answer: C. necessary
Necessary: one c, two s's.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a professional email to a nursing program?
- Hit me up if u need more stuff.
- Please let me know if you need any additional documents.
- Need anything else? Just holler!
- LMK if there's more to send.
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Please let me know if you need any additional documents.
A professional email uses complete words and a polite, formal tone.
Which option best combines these sentences? "The clinic opened in 2019. It serves more than 2,000 patients each year."
- The clinic opened in 2019, it serves more than 2,000 patients each year.
- The clinic, which opened in 2019, serves more than 2,000 patients each year.
- Opening in 2019, more than 2,000 patients are served by the clinic each year.
- The clinic opened in 2019 and also it serves more than 2,000 patients each year.
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The clinic, which opened in 2019, serves more than 2,000 patients each year.
A relative clause ("which opened in 2019") combines the ideas clearly. A is a comma splice; C has a dangling modifier; D is wordy.
Which sentence is written correctly?
- After reviewing the results, the diagnosis was explained.
- After reviewing the results, the doctor explained the diagnosis.
- After reviewing the results, explanation of the diagnosis followed.
- After reviewing the results, it was explained by the doctor.
Show answer
Correct answer: B. After reviewing the results, the doctor explained the diagnosis.
The person who reviewed the results (the doctor) must follow the introductory phrase. The others are dangling modifiers.
"The patient was lethargic, barely able to keep his eyes open." What does "lethargic" mean?
- Anxious and restless
- Drowsy and sluggish
- Angry and confused
- Alert and energetic
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Drowsy and sluggish
The context clue "barely able to keep his eyes open" signals drowsiness and low energy.
The prefix "hyper-" in words such as "hypertension" means:
- below or under
- above or excessive
- around
- between
Show answer
Correct answer: B. above or excessive
Hyper- means above or excessive (hypertension = high blood pressure). Hypo- means below.
Choose the best transition: "The medication reduced the patient's pain; ___, it caused drowsiness."
- therefore
- however
- similarly
- for example
Show answer
Correct answer: B. however
The second clause contrasts with the first (a benefit vs. a side effect), so "however" fits.
Tips for the English and Language Usage section
- Review subject-verb agreement, pronoun agreement and commonly confused words (affect/effect, their/there/they're).
- Know the main comma rules and when to use a semicolon or a colon.
- Learn common medical prefixes and suffixes, such as hyper-, hypo-, -itis and -ectomy.
- Use context clues: the words around an unfamiliar term usually point to its meaning.
- This is the fastest section, about one minute per question, so don't overthink easy items.
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These are original practice questions written for the published ATI TEAS 7 outline. They are not official TEAS questions. More sections: Reading · Math · Science