TEAS 7 English And Language Usage Study Guide
The TEAS English and Language Usage section tests your understanding of grammar, punctuation, and writing skills.
This section has 37 questions and you get 37 minutes to complete it. You’ll need strong language skills to communicate effectively as a nurse.
This guide covers everything you need to know for the English section. Each topic includes clear explanations, examples, and practice questions. Good English skills help you write clear medical reports and communicate with patients and colleagues.
The English section focuses on three main areas. You’ll work with grammar rules, sentence structure, and vocabulary. These skills are essential for professional nursing communication.
Overview of the English & Language Usage Section
What You Need to Know
The English and Language Usage section contains 37 total questions. Only 33 questions count toward your score. The other 4 questions are unscored test questions.
You have 37 minutes to complete this section. That gives you about 1 minute per question. Most questions are quick to answer once you know the rules.
The questions test your knowledge of standard English grammar and usage. You’ll see sentences with errors that need correction and questions about word meanings and sentence structure.
Types of Questions You’ll See
Most questions are multiple choice with four answer options. Some questions ask you to select all correct answers from a list. A few questions require you to type in words or rearrange sentence parts.
Questions cover grammar rules, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary. You might need to identify errors in sentences or choose the best way to express an idea.
The content focuses on professional writing skills. These are the same rules you’ll use when documenting patient care and communicating with healthcare teams.
Conventions of Standard English
This section tests your knowledge of grammar rules and mechanics. You’ll see 12 questions about these topics. These rules help you write clearly and professionally.
Standard English follows specific rules for punctuation, grammar, and spelling. Learning these rules helps you avoid common mistakes in your nursing documentation.
Punctuation
Punctuation marks organize your writing and make it easier to understand. Each punctuation mark has specific rules for when and how to use it correctly.
Commas are the most common punctuation mark you’ll see on the test. They separate items in a series, join independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions, and set off introductory elements.
Apostrophes show possession or create contractions. Semicolons join related independent clauses. Colons introduce lists or explanations.
Comma Rules:
Use commas to separate three or more items in a series: “The patient needs medication, rest, and monitoring.”
Use commas before coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) that join independent clauses: “The surgery was successful, but the patient needs time to recover.”
Use commas after introductory elements: “After the medication was given, the patient felt better.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
A) The nurse checked the patient’s pulse, blood pressure and temperature.
B) The nurse checked the patient’s pulse blood pressure, and temperature.
C) The nurse checked the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
D) The nurse checked, the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
Answer: C) The nurse checked the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
Explanation: This sentence correctly uses commas to separate three items in a series. Each item (pulse, blood pressure, temperature) is separated by a comma, including the comma before “and.”
Apostrophe Rules:
Use apostrophes to show possession: “the patient’s chart” (one patient), “the patients’ rooms” (multiple patients).
Use apostrophes in contractions to replace missing letters: “don’t” (do not), “it’s” (it is), “they’re” (they are).
Don’t use apostrophes for plural nouns that aren’t possessive: “three nurses” not “three nurse’s.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?
A) The doctor’s reviewed the patient’s test results.
B) The doctors reviewed the patients test results.
C) The doctors reviewed the patient’s test results.
D) The doctor’s reviewed the patients’ test results.
Answer: C) The doctors reviewed the patient’s test results.
Explanation: “Doctors” is plural (no apostrophe needed), and “patient’s” shows possession (the test results belong to the patient).
Sentence Structure
Good sentence structure makes your writing clear and easy to follow. Sentences need subjects and verbs that agree with each other. They also need proper coordination and subordination of ideas.
Simple sentences have one independent clause. Compound sentences have two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. Complex sentences have an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Subject-verb agreement means singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. This rule applies even when other words come between the subject and verb.
Subject-Verb Agreement Rules:
Singular subjects take singular verbs: “The nurse works nights.”
Plural subjects take plural verbs: “The nurses work nights.”
Collective nouns usually take singular verbs: “The team is ready.”
Words between subject and verb don’t affect agreement: “The box of supplies is here.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence shows correct subject-verb agreement?
A) The group of nurses are meeting today.
B) The group of nurses is meeting today.
C) Each of the nurses are attending the training.
D) Several nurses was scheduled for overtime.
Answer: B) The group of nurses is meeting today.
Explanation: “Group” is a singular collective noun, so it takes the singular verb “is.” The phrase “of nurses” doesn’t change the fact that “group” is the subject.
Parallel Structure:
Items in a series should have the same grammatical form. If you start with verbs, use verbs throughout. If you start with nouns, use nouns throughout.
Incorrect: “The patient needs to rest, exercising, and taking medication.”
Correct: “The patient needs to rest, exercise, and take medication.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence has correct parallel structure?
A) The nurse must assess patients, documenting findings, and report to doctors.
B) The nurse must assess patients, document findings, and report to doctors.
C) The nurse must assess patients, document findings, and reporting to doctors.
D) The nurse must assessing patients, document findings, and report to doctors.
Answer: B) The nurse must assess patients, document findings, and report to doctors.
Explanation: All three verbs (assess, document, report) have the same form, creating parallel structure.
Spelling
Correct spelling is essential in healthcare documentation. Misspelled words can cause confusion and look unprofessional. Learn common spelling patterns and rules.
Many spelling errors involve homophones – words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings. These are very common on the TEAS test.
Medical terminology follows specific spelling patterns. Learning common prefixes, suffixes, and roots helps you spell medical terms correctly.
Common Homophones:
- Their (possessive): “Their patient is improving.”
- There (location): “The medicine is over there.”
- They’re (contraction): “They’re working the night shift.”
- Your (possessive): “Your shift starts at 7 AM.”
- You’re (contraction): “You’re scheduled for training.”
- Its (possessive): “The hospital changed its policy.”
- It’s (contraction): “It’s time for the patient’s medication.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A) The patient’s family is over their waiting.
B) The patient’s family is over there waiting.
C) The patient’s family is over they’re waiting.
D) The patient’s family is over there weighting.
Answer: B) The patient’s family is over there waiting.
Explanation: “There” indicates location (where the family is), and “waiting” is spelled correctly (not “weighting”).
Spelling Rules:
Add -s for most plurals: “nurse” becomes “nurses” Add -es for words ending in s, sh, ch, x, z: “box” becomes “boxes” Change y to i and add -es: “country” becomes “countries” Some words have irregular plurals: “child” becomes “children”
Practice Question:
What is the correct plural form of “diagnosis”?
A) diagnosises
B) diagnosies
C) diagnoses
D) diagnosis
Answer: C) diagnoses
Explanation: “Diagnosis” follows the pattern of changing -is to -es for the plural form, like “crisis/crises.”
Contractions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations
Contractions combine two words by replacing letters with an apostrophe. They’re common in informal writing but less appropriate in formal medical documentation.
Acronyms use the first letters of words to create new words. Many medical terms are acronyms that you’ll use regularly in healthcare settings.
Abbreviations shorten words or phrases. Some are appropriate in medical charts, while others should be spelled out for clarity.
Common Contractions:
- Cannot = can’t
- Do not = don’t
- Will not = won’t (irregular)
- I am = I’m
- He is = he’s
- We are = we’re
Medical Acronyms:
- CPR = Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- ICU = Intensive Care Unit
- IV = Intravenous
- BP = Blood Pressure
- HR = Heart Rate
Practice Question:
Which contraction is spelled correctly?
A) should’nt
B) wouldn’t
C) could’nt
D) did’nt
Answer: B) wouldn’t
Explanation: “Wouldn’t” correctly contracts “would not.” The other options incorrectly place the apostrophe – they should be “shouldn’t,” “couldn’t,” and “didn’t.”
Types of Sentences
Different sentence types serve different purposes in communication. Understanding these types helps you choose the right structure for your message.
Declarative sentences make statements. Interrogative sentences ask questions. Imperative sentences give commands. Exclamatory sentences express strong emotion.
Most medical documentation uses declarative sentences because they state facts clearly and objectively.
Sentence Types:
Declarative: “The patient’s temperature is 101°F.” (states a fact)
Interrogative: “Has the patient taken the medication?” (asks a question)
Imperative: “Check the patient’s vital signs.” (gives a command)
Exclamatory: “The patient is responding well!” (shows excitement)
Practice Question:
What type of sentence is this: “Please verify the patient’s allergies before administering medication.”
A) Declarative
B) Interrogative
C) Imperative
D) Exclamatory
Answer: C) Imperative
Explanation: This sentence gives a command or instruction, which makes it imperative. The word “please” doesn’t change the sentence type.
Irregular Plurals
Some nouns don’t follow standard pluralization rules. These irregular forms are common in medical terminology and everyday language.
Learn the most common irregular plurals because they appear frequently on the test. Medical terms often keep their Latin or Greek plural forms.
When in doubt, use a dictionary to check the correct plural form. Don’t guess based on what sounds right.
Common Irregular Plurals:
- Child → Children
- Mouse → Mice
- Foot → Feet
- Tooth → Teeth
- Woman → Women
- Goose → Geese
Medical Irregular Plurals:
- Diagnosis → Diagnoses
- Crisis → Crises
- Bacterium → Bacteria
- Datum → Data
- Criterion → Criteria
- Phenomenon → Phenomena
Practice Question:
What is the correct plural of “criterion”?
A) criterions
B) criteria
C) criterias
D) criterion
Answer: B) criteria
Explanation: “Criterion” is a Latin word that keeps its Latin plural form “criteria.” Don’t add an English -s ending to Latin plurals.
Knowledge of Language
This section tests your understanding of grammar rules and writing organization. You’ll see 11 questions about these topics. These skills help you communicate clearly and professionally.
Good grammar knowledge helps you write effective nursing documentation. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures patient safety.
Grammar
Grammar provides the structure for clear communication. Understanding parts of speech and their functions helps you construct correct sentences.
Verbs show action or state of being. They must agree with their subjects and use the correct tense. Pronouns replace nouns and must agree with their antecedents.
Adjectives and adverbs modify other words. Prepositions show relationships between words. Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses.
Parts of Speech:
Nouns name people, places, things, or ideas: “nurse,” “hospital,” “care”
Pronouns replace nouns: “he,” “she,” “it,” “they”
Verbs show action or being: “run,” “is,” “helped”
Adjectives describe nouns: “tall,” “green,” “careful”
Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs: “quickly,” “very,” “carefully”
Verb Tenses:
Present: “The nurse works today.”
Past: “The nurse worked yesterday.”
Future: “The nurse will work tomorrow.”
Present perfect: “The nurse has worked here for two years.”
Past perfect: “The nurse had worked before the shift change.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence uses the correct verb tense?
A) Yesterday, the patient has received medication.
B) Yesterday, the patient received medication.
C) Yesterday, the patient will receive medication.
D) Yesterday, the patient receives medication.
Answer: B) Yesterday, the patient received medication.
Explanation: “Yesterday” indicates past time, so the past tense “received” is correct. Present perfect (“has received”) isn’t used with specific past time markers like “yesterday.”
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement:
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender.
Correct: “Each nurse must check his or her patients.” (singular)
Correct: “All nurses must check their patients.” (plural)
Incorrect: “Each nurse must check their patients.” (singular antecedent with plural pronoun)
Practice Question:
Which sentence shows correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?
A) Every doctor should review their notes carefully.
B) Every doctor should review his or her notes carefully.
C) All doctors should review his notes carefully.
D) The doctor should review their notes carefully.
Answer: B) Every doctor should review his or her notes carefully.
Explanation: “Every doctor” is singular, so it needs singular pronouns “his or her,” not the plural “their.”
Paragraphs
Well-organized paragraphs make your writing easier to understand. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea with supporting details.
Topic sentences introduce the main idea of each paragraph. Supporting sentences provide details, examples, or explanations. Concluding sentences wrap up the paragraph’s main point.
Transitions connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs. They help readers follow your thinking and see how ideas relate to each other.
Paragraph Structure:
Topic sentence: States the main idea Supporting sentences: Provide details and examples Concluding sentence: Summarizes or transitions to next idea
Example Paragraph:
“Proper hand hygiene is essential for patient safety. [Topic sentence] Healthcare workers should wash their hands before and after each patient contact. [Supporting detail] Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used when soap and water aren’t available. [Supporting detail] Following these guidelines significantly reduces the spread of infections. [Concluding sentence]”
Transition Words:
Addition: also, furthermore, in addition, moreover Contrast: however, but, although, nevertheless Sequence: first, next, then, finally Example: for instance, specifically, such as Conclusion: therefore, thus, in conclusion
Practice Question:
Which transition word best connects these sentences? “The patient’s condition improved overnight. _____, the doctor decided to discharge him.”
A) However
B) Therefore
C) Although
D) Furthermore
Answer: B) Therefore
Explanation: “Therefore” shows that the discharge decision is a result of the improved condition. It indicates cause and effect.
Rhetorical Context
Understanding your audience and purpose helps you choose appropriate language and tone. Professional healthcare communication requires formal, clear language.
Formal writing uses complete sentences, proper grammar, and professional vocabulary. Informal writing might use contractions, slang, or casual expressions.
Your purpose affects your word choice and organization. Are you informing, persuading, or explaining? Each purpose requires different strategies.
Formal vs. Informal Language:
Formal: “The patient experienced adverse effects from the medication.” Informal: “The patient had a bad reaction to the meds.”
Formal: “Please contact me if you have questions.” Informal: “Give me a call if you wanna know more.”
Audience Considerations:
Writing to colleagues: Use medical terminology appropriately
Writing to patients: Use simple, clear language
Writing reports: Use formal, objective tone
Writing instructions: Use clear, step-by-step format
Practice Question:
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal medical report?
A) The patient got really sick after taking the medicine.
B) The patient experienced significant adverse reactions following medication administration.
C) The patient didn’t feel so good after the meds.
D) The patient was pretty bad off after getting the drugs.
Answer: B) The patient experienced significant adverse reactions following medication administration.
Explanation: This option uses formal, professional language appropriate for medical documentation. It avoids casual expressions and uses precise medical terminology.
Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing
This section tests your vocabulary knowledge and writing skills. You’ll see 10 questions about these topics. Strong vocabulary helps you communicate precisely and professionally.
Understanding word parts helps you figure out unfamiliar words. Good writing skills help you organize ideas clearly and effectively.
Word Parts
Many English words are built from roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Understanding these parts helps you determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Medical terminology heavily uses Greek and Latin word parts. Learning common medical roots, prefixes, and suffixes helps you understand complex medical terms.
When you encounter an unknown word, break it into parts. Look for familiar prefixes, roots, and suffixes to help determine the meaning.
Common Prefixes:
- Pre- = before: prehistoric, prenatal
- Post- = after: postoperative, postpartum
- Sub- = under: subcutaneous, submarine
- Super- = above: supervisor, supernatural
- Anti- = against: antibiotic, antisocial
- Re- = again: repeat, review
Common Suffixes:
- -tion = state or process: education, medication
- -ness = quality or state: illness, kindness
- -ment = result or process: treatment, development
- -able = capable of: readable, breakable
- -less = without: painless, harmless
Medical Word Parts:
- Cardio- = heart: cardiology, cardiovascular
- -ology = study of: biology, psychology
- Hem/Hemo- = blood: hemoglobin, hemorrhage
- -itis = inflammation: arthritis, bronchitis
- Hyper- = excessive: hypertension, hyperactive
- Hypo- = under: hypotension, hypothermia
Practice Question:
What does “subcutaneous” mean based on its word parts?
A) Above the skin
B) Under the skin
C) Around the skin
D) Through the skin
Answer: B) Under the skin
Explanation: “Sub-” means under and “cutaneous” relates to skin, so subcutaneous means under the skin.
Example: Breaking Down Medical Terms
“Tachycardia” = tachy- (fast) + cardio (heart) + -ia (condition) = condition of fast heartbeat
“Bradypnea” = brady- (slow) + pnea (breathing) = slow breathing
“Hypertension” = hyper- (high) + tension (pressure) = high blood pressure
Practice Question:
Based on word parts, what does “bradycardia” mean?
A) Fast heartbeat
B) Slow heartbeat
C) Irregular heartbeat
D) Strong heartbeat
Answer: B) Slow heartbeat
Explanation: “Brady-” means slow and “cardia” refers to heart, so bradycardia means slow heartbeat.
Writing Process
Good writing follows a systematic process. Planning helps you organize ideas before writing. Revising improves content and clarity. Editing fixes grammar and mechanics.
Prewriting includes brainstorming, outlining, and organizing ideas. This step prevents writer’s block and creates a roadmap for your writing.
Drafting means getting your ideas on paper. Don’t worry about perfection in your first draft. Focus on expressing your ideas clearly.
Writing Process Steps:
- Prewriting: Brainstorm and organize ideas
- Drafting: Write your first version
- Revising: Improve content and organization
- Editing: Fix grammar and mechanics
- Proofreading: Check for final errors
Prewriting Strategies:
- Brainstorming: List all ideas related to your topic
- Outlining: Organize main points and supporting details
- Freewriting: Write continuously for a set time
- Questioning: Ask who, what, when, where, why, how
Revising vs. Editing:
Revising focuses on big-picture issues: organization, clarity, completeness Editing focuses on sentence-level issues: grammar, punctuation, spelling
Practice Question:
Which activity belongs to the revising stage of writing?
A) Checking for spelling errors
B) Adding more supporting details
C) Fixing comma splices
D) Correcting verb tense
Answer: B) Adding more supporting details
Explanation: Adding supporting details improves content and organization, which is part of revising. The other options are editing tasks that fix mechanical errors.
Frequently Confused Words
Some word pairs sound similar but have different meanings. These words cause common errors in professional writing. Learning the differences helps you choose the correct word.
Context clues help you determine which word to use. Think about the meaning you want to express, then choose the word that matches that meaning.
Practice using these words in sentences to reinforce the differences. When in doubt, look up the definitions to confirm your choice.
Accept vs. Except:
Accept = to receive or agree to: “The patient will accept the treatment plan.”
Except = excluding: “All visitors except immediate family must leave.”
Affect vs. Effect:
Affect = to influence (verb): “The medication will affect your blood pressure.”
Effect = a result (noun): “The medication had a positive effect.”
Lay vs. Lie:
Lay = to place something (takes an object): “Lay the patient on the stretcher.”
Lie = to recline (no object): “The patient should lie down and rest.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence uses “affect” correctly?
A) The treatment had a positive affect on the patient.
B) The treatment had a positive effect on the patient.
C) The medication will effect the patient’s symptoms.
D) The medication will affect the patient’s symptoms.
Answer: D) The medication will affect the patient’s symptoms.
Explanation: “Affect” is a verb meaning to influence. The medication will influence (affect) the symptoms. “Effect” is a noun meaning result.
Who vs. Whom:
Who = subject form: “Who is the patient’s doctor?”
Whom = object form: “To whom should I give this report?”
Tip: If you can substitute “he/she,” use “who.” If you can substitute “him/her,” use “whom.”
That vs. Which:
That = essential information (no commas): “The medicine that reduces fever is aspirin.”
Which = extra information (with commas): “Aspirin, which reduces fever, is common.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence uses “who” or “whom” correctly?
A) The nurse whom works nights is very experienced.
B) The nurse who works nights is very experienced.
C) To who should I report this incident?
D) Who should I give this medication to?
Answer: B) The nurse who works nights is very experienced.
Explanation: “Who” is correct because it’s the subject of “works.” You can test this by substituting “she works nights” – “she” confirms that “who” is correct.
Tone and Style
Tone reflects your attitude toward your subject and audience. Professional healthcare writing requires an objective, respectful tone that builds trust and confidence.
Formal tone uses complete sentences, proper grammar, and professional vocabulary. Avoid slang, contractions, and emotional language in formal medical documentation.
Clarity is more important than complexity. Use simple, direct language that your audience can easily understand. Avoid jargon when writing for patients or families.
Professional Tone Characteristics:
- Objective rather than emotional
- Respectful and courteous
- Clear and direct
- Confident but not arrogant
- Appropriate for the audience
Formal vs. Informal Examples:
Formal: “The patient demonstrated improvement in mobility following physical therapy.”
Informal: “The patient got better at walking after PT.”
Formal: “Please contact the physician if symptoms persist.”
Informal: “Call the doc if you’re still feeling bad.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence has the most appropriate tone for a medical report?
A) The patient was totally freaked out about the surgery.
B) The patient expressed significant anxiety regarding the surgical procedure.
C) The patient was really scared about getting cut open.
D) The patient was having a major freak-out about the operation.
Answer: B) The patient expressed significant anxiety regarding the surgical procedure.
Explanation: This option uses professional, objective language appropriate for medical documentation. It avoids casual expressions and emotional language.
Writing for Different Audiences:
For colleagues: Use medical terminology appropriately, be concise and precise
For patients: Use simple language, define medical terms, be reassuring
For supervisors: Be formal and detailed, focus on facts and outcomes
For families: Be clear and compassionate, avoid overwhelming technical details
Common Grammar Pitfalls
Understanding common errors helps you avoid them in your own writing. These mistakes appear frequently on the TEAS test and in professional communication.
Many errors involve agreement between subjects and verbs or pronouns and antecedents. Others involve word choice or sentence structure problems.
When you recognize these patterns, you can quickly identify and correct errors in test questions and your own writing.
Agreement Errors
Subjects and verbs must agree in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. This rule applies even when other words separate the subject and verb.
Collective nouns usually take singular verbs because they refer to a group acting as one unit. However, if the group members are acting individually, use a plural verb.
Pronoun-antecedent agreement follows similar rules. Singular antecedents need singular pronouns, and plural antecedents need plural pronouns.
Tricky Agreement Situations:
Compound subjects joined by “and” are usually plural: “The doctor and nurse are here.” Subjects joined by “or” take the verb form that agrees with the closer subject: “Either the doctor or the nurses are coming.” Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “somebody,” and “each” are singular: “Everyone is ready.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement?
A) The team of nurses are working overtime.
B) The team of nurses is working overtime.
C) Each of the nurses are attending training.
D) Neither the doctor nor the nurses is available.
Answer: B) The team of nurses is working overtime.
Explanation: “Team” is a singular collective noun that takes a singular verb “is.” The phrase “of nurses” doesn’t affect the agreement.
Modifier Problems
Modifiers should be placed close to the words they modify. Misplaced modifiers create confusion about what is being modified. Dangling modifiers don’t clearly modify anything in the sentence.
To fix modifier problems, move the modifier closer to the word it modifies or rewrite the sentence to make the meaning clear.
Clear modification makes your writing easier to understand and prevents misinterpretation.
Misplaced Modifier Examples:
Unclear: “Walking down the hall, the patient’s room was visible.”
Clear: “Walking down the hall, the nurse could see the patient’s room.”
Unclear: “The doctor prescribed medication for the patient with a severe headache.”
Clear: “The doctor prescribed medication for the patient who had a severe headache.”
Practice Question:
Which sentence has a correctly placed modifier?
A) Sitting in the wheelchair, the nurse pushed the patient.
B) The nurse pushed the patient sitting in the wheelchair.
C) The patient was pushed by the nurse sitting in the wheelchair.
D) Sitting in the wheelchair, the patient was pushed by the nurse.
Answer: B) The nurse pushed the patient sitting in the wheelchair.
Explanation: This sentence clearly shows that the patient (not the nurse) is sitting in the wheelchair. The modifier is placed next to the word it modifies.
Test-Taking Tips for TEAS English & Language Usage
Read Questions Carefully
Always read the entire question before looking at answer choices. Some questions ask you to identify the error, while others ask you to choose the correct option. Missing this distinction leads to wrong answers.
Trust Your Ear, But Verify with Rules
If something sounds wrong, it probably is. However, don’t rely only on what “sounds right” – some incorrect options are designed to sound natural. Always think about the specific grammar rule being tested.
Eliminate Obviously Wrong Answers
Cross out answers that contain clear errors like subject-verb disagreement or wrong punctuation. This narrows your choices and improves your odds if you need to guess.
Watch for Common Error Patterns
The test frequently includes these mistakes: comma splices, pronoun-antecedent disagreement, misplaced modifiers, and confused word pairs (affect/effect, who/whom). Learn to spot these quickly.
Pay Attention to Context
Consider the formality level and audience. Medical documentation requires formal language, while patient education might use simpler terms. Choose answers that match the appropriate tone.
Don’t Overthink Simple Questions
Many questions test basic rules you already know. If an answer seems obviously correct and follows standard grammar rules, it probably is correct. Don’t second-guess yourself unnecessarily.
Use Process of Elimination
Even if you’re unsure of the correct answer, you can often eliminate 2-3 clearly wrong options. This significantly improves your chances of selecting the right answer.
Manage Your Time Wisely
Spend about 1 minute per question. If you’re stuck, make your best guess and move on. You can return to difficult questions if time allows, but don’t let one hard question prevent you from answering easier ones.