TEAS English: Grammar and Sentence Structure 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?

The team of nurses are ready for their shift.
The team of nurses is ready for their shift. (Correct answer)
The nurses team are ready for their shift.
The team nurse are ready for their shift.

Correct answer: The team of nurses is ready for their shift.

The subject is 'team' (singular collective noun), so the singular verb 'is' is correct. The prepositional phrase 'of nurses' does not affect subject-verb agreement.

Subject-verb agreement: the verb must agree with the subject in number. 'Team' is a collective noun (treated as singular in American English when acting as a unit). The prepositional phrase 'of nurses' is a modifier — the subject is still 'team.' Therefore, use the singular verb 'is.' This is a common TEAS trap: intervening prepositional phrases can make it seem like the plural noun ('nurses') is the subject.

Question 2: Identify the type of sentence: 'Although the patient was tired, she completed the physical therapy session.'

Simple sentence
Compound sentence
Complex sentence (Correct answer)
Compound-complex sentence

Correct answer: Complex sentence

This is a complex sentence — it contains one independent clause ('she completed the physical therapy session') and one dependent clause ('Although the patient was tired').

Sentence types: Simple (one independent clause), Compound (two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunction or semicolon), Complex (one independent + one or more dependent clauses), Compound-Complex (two+ independent + one+ dependent). 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, making 'Although the patient was tired' dependent. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. Combined with the independent clause 'she completed the physical therapy session,' this forms a complex sentence.

Question 3: Which word in the following sentence is a conjunctive adverb? 'The medication was effective; however, it caused significant side effects.'

effective
however (Correct answer)
significant
caused

Correct answer: however

'However' is a conjunctive adverb that connects two independent clauses and indicates a contrast.

Conjunctive adverbs (also called adverbial conjunctions) connect two independent clauses and show relationships like contrast, addition, or cause/effect. Common examples: however (contrast), therefore (result), moreover (addition), consequently (result), furthermore (addition), nevertheless (contrast). They are preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma when connecting clauses. 'However' in this sentence signals contrast between effectiveness and side effects.

Question 4: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Running quickly, the nurse reached the patient's room.
Running quickly, the patient was reached by the nurse. (Correct answer)
The nurse, running quickly, reached the patient's room.
The quickly running nurse reached the patient's room.

Correct answer: Running quickly, the patient was reached by the nurse.

In option B, 'Running quickly' appears to modify 'the patient' (the noun that follows), but logically the nurse was running. The modifier dangles because the intended subject (nurse) is not the subject of the main clause.

A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that lacks a clear, logical connection to the noun it's supposed to modify. In 'Running quickly, the patient was reached by the nurse,' the participial phrase 'Running quickly' dangles because the sentence's subject is 'the patient,' who is not doing the running. Correct versions: 'Running quickly, the nurse reached the patient's room' (A) clearly shows the nurse was running. Always ensure the subject performing the action in a participial phrase matches the sentence's grammatical subject.

Question 5: Which of the following is a correctly punctuated compound sentence?

The doctor ordered more tests, the patient waited anxiously.
The doctor ordered more tests and the patient waited anxiously
The doctor ordered more tests; the patient waited anxiously. (Correct answer)
The doctor ordered more tests and, the patient waited anxiously.

Correct answer: The doctor ordered more tests; the patient waited anxiously.

A compound sentence joining two independent clauses can correctly use a semicolon. Option C uses a semicolon correctly.

To correctly join two independent clauses: (1) Use a semicolon alone (C — correct); (2) Use a comma + coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) — option B lacks the comma; (3) Use a conjunctive adverb with semicolon + comma. Option A is a comma splice (two independent clauses joined only by a comma — incorrect). Option B lacks the required comma before 'and.' Option D has a misplaced comma.

Question 6: What type of pronoun is used in the following sentence? 'The patient gave herself an insulin injection.'

Personal pronoun
Demonstrative pronoun
Reflexive pronoun (Correct answer)
Intensive pronoun

Correct answer: Reflexive pronoun

'Herself' is a reflexive pronoun — it refers back to the subject ('the patient') and indicates the subject is performing the action on herself.

Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves) are used when the subject and object of a verb refer to the same person/thing. In this sentence, 'the patient' (subject) performed the action on 'herself' (same person) — reflexive use. Reflexive pronouns can also be used as intensive pronouns to add emphasis (e.g., 'She herself administered the injection'). Intensive pronouns are not essential to the sentence's meaning and can be removed without changing the main idea.

Question 7: Which sentence is written in the passive voice?

The pharmacist dispensed the medication.
The medication was dispensed by the pharmacist. (Correct answer)
The pharmacist carefully counted the pills.
The patient received the prescription.

Correct answer: The medication was dispensed by the pharmacist.

In passive voice, the subject receives the action. 'The medication was dispensed by the pharmacist' — 'medication' (subject) receives the action of being dispensed.

Active voice: subject performs the action (subject + verb + object). Passive voice: subject receives the action (subject + form of 'to be' + past participle). In option B, 'The medication' (subject) + 'was dispensed' (to be + past participle) + 'by the pharmacist' (agent). The passive voice formula is: [Object from active] + [was/were/is] + [past participle] + [by + original subject]. Passive voice is common in scientific writing but can make sentences wordy. The TEAS may ask you to identify or revise passive constructions.

Question 8: Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The hospital policy _____ all visitors to sign in at the front desk.'

require
requires (Correct answer)
requiring
required

Correct answer: requires

'Policy' is the singular subject, requiring the singular verb 'requires' in the present tense.

The subject is 'hospital policy' (singular, third person). In the present tense, third-person singular subjects require a verb ending in -s or -es: 'requires.' 'Require' is used for plural subjects or I/you. 'Requiring' is a gerund/participle, not a finite verb that can serve as the predicate. 'Required' is past tense. The sentence calls for present tense (stating a current, ongoing policy), and the subject is singular: 'requires' is correct.

Question 9: Which of the following sentences contains a misplaced modifier?

The nurse gave the patient an injection quickly.
The nurse quickly gave the patient an injection.
The nurse gave the quickly patient an injection. (Correct answer)
The nurse gave an injection quickly to the patient.

Correct answer: The nurse gave the quickly patient an injection.

In option C, 'quickly' is placed before 'patient,' implying the patient is 'quickly,' which is illogical. The adverb should modify the verb, not the noun.

A misplaced modifier is placed too far from the word it modifies, creating confusion or illogical meaning. In 'The nurse gave the quickly patient an injection,' the adverb 'quickly' is sandwiched next to 'patient,' incorrectly modifying it. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs — not nouns. The correct placement is near the verb: 'The nurse quickly gave the patient an injection' (B) or after the verb phrase (A). Option D is grammatically awkward but not technically a misplaced modifier.

Question 10: Which of the following correctly uses a colon?

She studied: day and night.
She needed three supplies: gauze, tape, and gloves. (Correct answer)
She: studied day and night.
She studied hard: and passed.

Correct answer: She needed three supplies: gauze, tape, and gloves.

A colon after 'supplies' correctly introduces a list. The clause before the colon is complete and independent.

Colon usage rules: (1) A colon must be preceded by a complete independent clause; (2) It introduces a list, explanation, example, or quotation. Option B: 'She needed three supplies' is a complete clause, and the colon correctly introduces the list. Option A: 'She studied' is complete but a colon shouldn't separate a verb from its object when the sentence naturally flows. Option C: the colon incorrectly breaks the subject from the predicate. Option D: both clauses could stand alone and should use a semicolon or conjunction, not a colon.

Question 11: Which of the following is a correctly written possessive noun?

The nurses station was busy.
The nurse's station was busy. (Correct answer)
The nurses' station was one nurse's station.
The nurse station's was busy.

Correct answer: The nurse's station was busy.

'Nurse's' shows singular possession — the station belonging to one nurse — using 's.

Possessive nouns: (1) Singular possessive — add 's: nurse's (one nurse's station). (2) Plural possessive of regular plurals (ending in s) — add apostrophe only: nurses' station (station belonging to multiple nurses). (3) Plural possessive of irregular plurals — add 's: children's. Option A lacks any apostrophe. Option B correctly shows the station belongs to one nurse. Option C mixes both forms in one compound phrase — grammatically unusual. Option D incorrectly places the apostrophe in 'station's' when 'nurse's' is the intended possessive.

Question 12: What is the function of a subordinating conjunction?

Join two independent clauses of equal importance
Introduce a dependent clause and connect it to an independent clause (Correct answer)
Connect two nouns or pronouns in a list
Introduce a question

Correct answer: Introduce a dependent clause and connect it to an independent clause

Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, if, when, while, etc.) introduce dependent clauses and connect them to independent clauses, showing a relationship.

Subordinating conjunctions introduce adverbial dependent clauses and establish logical relationships: cause (because, since), contrast (although, even though, while), condition (if, unless), time (when, while, before, after), and place (where, wherever). They create complex sentences by attaching a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples: 'Because the patient had allergies, the nurse checked the medications'; 'Although tired, the nurse remained attentive.' Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) join elements of equal grammatical rank (two independent clauses), which is option A.

Question 13: Which of the following sentences is grammatically parallel?

The nursing student studied hard, exercised regularly, and was eating healthy meals.
The nursing student studied hard, exercised regularly, and ate healthy meals. (Correct answer)
The nursing student was studying hard, exercised regularly, and eating healthy meals.
The nursing student studied hard, is exercising regularly, and was eating healthy meals.

Correct answer: The nursing student studied hard, exercised regularly, and ate healthy meals.

Option B uses consistent parallel structure: all three verbs are in simple past tense (studied, exercised, ate).

Parallel structure (parallelism) requires that elements in a series, list, or comparison use the same grammatical form. In option B: 'studied' (simple past), 'exercised' (simple past), 'ate' (simple past) — all three predicates are parallel. Options A, C, and D mix verb forms (simple past with past progressive or present tense), violating parallelism. Parallelism applies to: items in lists, compound sentences, comparisons, and correlative conjunctions (not only...but also, both...and, either...or).

Question 14: In the sentence 'The medication that the doctor prescribed is now in short supply,' what type of clause is 'that the doctor prescribed'?

Independent clause
Adjective (relative) clause (Correct answer)
Adverb clause
Noun clause

Correct answer: Adjective (relative) clause

'That the doctor prescribed' is an adjective (relative) clause — it modifies the noun 'medication' and begins with the relative pronoun 'that.'

Dependent clause types: (1) Adjective (relative) clauses — modify nouns, begin with relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that); e.g., 'the medication that the doctor prescribed.' (2) Adverb clauses — modify verbs/adjectives/adverbs, begin with subordinating conjunctions (because, when, if). (3) Noun clauses — function as nouns (subject, object), begin with that, what, who, etc. Here, 'that the doctor prescribed' modifies the noun 'medication' (which medication?), making it an adjective clause.

Question 15: Which sentence correctly uses 'who' versus 'whom'?

Who did the supervisor hire?
Whom gave the patient the medication?
The nurse who was on duty called the doctor. (Correct answer)
The nurse whom was on duty called the doctor.

Correct answer: The nurse who was on duty called the doctor.

'Who' is used as a subject pronoun. In option C, 'who was on duty' modifies 'nurse' — 'who' is the subject of 'was on duty,' so 'who' is correct.

Who vs. whom: 'who' is a subject pronoun (like he, she, they); 'whom' is an object pronoun (like him, her, them). Trick: substitute he/him — if 'he' works, use 'who'; if 'him' works, use 'whom.' Option A: 'Who/Whom did the supervisor hire?' → 'The supervisor hired him' → use 'whom.' Option B: 'Whom/Who gave the medication?' → 'He/She gave' (subject) → use 'who.' Option C: 'who was on duty' — who (= she) was on duty ✓. Option D: 'whom was on duty' — him was on duty ✗.

Question 16: Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?

The patient rested.
The patient rested, and the nurse charted.
Although the patient was tired, she rested.
Although the patient was tired, she rested, and the nurse charted. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Although the patient was tired, she rested, and the nurse charted.

Option D has two independent clauses ('she rested' and 'the nurse charted') plus one dependent clause ('Although the patient was tired') — making it compound-complex.

Sentence types: A: Simple (one independent clause). B: Compound (two independent clauses: 'The patient rested' + 'the nurse charted', joined by 'and'). C: Complex (one independent: 'she rested' + one dependent: 'Although the patient was tired'). D: Compound-complex — it contains the dependent clause ('Although the patient was tired') plus two independent clauses ('she rested' + 'the nurse charted' joined by 'and'). This is the most structurally complex sentence type.

Question 17: Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe in a contraction?

The patient cant take that medication.
Its important to follow the dosage instructions.
The nurse shouldn't administer the medication without verifying the order. (Correct answer)
The patients' will improve with treatment.

Correct answer: The nurse shouldn't administer the medication without verifying the order.

'Shouldn't' is the contraction of 'should not' — the apostrophe correctly replaces the 'o' in 'not.'

Contractions: the apostrophe replaces omitted letters. 'shouldn't' = should + not (apostrophe replaces 'o'). Option A: 'cant' should be 'can't' (can not). Option B: 'Its' is a possessive pronoun — 'It's' (it is) is the contraction needed here. Option D: 'patients'' is a plural possessive, not a contraction — the sentence also doesn't make grammatical sense. Distinguishing 'its' (possessive) from 'it's' (contraction for it is/it has) is a very common TEAS English question.

Question 18: In grammar, what is an 'antecedent'?

A word that a pronoun refers back to (Correct answer)
A sentence that comes before the main clause
A type of subordinating conjunction
A verb that precedes its subject

Correct answer: A word that a pronoun refers back to

An antecedent is the noun (or noun phrase) that a pronoun refers back to. Clear pronoun-antecedent agreement is essential for clear writing.

A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number, gender, and person. Example: 'The nurse completed her charting' — 'nurse' is the antecedent of 'her.' Pronoun-antecedent errors are common: 'Every student should bring their textbook' (incorrect if treating 'every student' as singular); 'Every student should bring his or her textbook' (correct). Ambiguous antecedents — where it's unclear which noun the pronoun refers to — are a significant clarity problem in writing and are tested on the TEAS.

Question 19: Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

The procedure was completed; quickly and efficiently.
The nurse was tired; however, she finished her shift. (Correct answer)
The patient was ready; to be discharged.
She studied for the exam; but failed.

Correct answer: The nurse was tired; however, she finished her shift.

A semicolon before a conjunctive adverb ('however') correctly joins two independent clauses. 'However' requires a semicolon before it and a comma after when connecting clauses.

Semicolon rules: (1) Joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction; (2) Used before conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, consequently) followed by a comma. Option B: 'The nurse was tired' (IC) ; 'however,' (conjunctive adverb) + 'she finished her shift' (IC) — correct. Option A: 'quickly and efficiently' is a phrase, not an independent clause — incorrect. Option C: 'to be discharged' is an infinitive phrase — use a comma instead. Option D: 'but' is a coordinating conjunction — use a comma before it, not a semicolon.

Question 20: Which of the following is an example of a run-on sentence?

The patient had a high fever; the doctor was called immediately.
The patient had a high fever, and the doctor was called immediately.
The patient had a high fever the doctor was called immediately. (Correct answer)
Because the patient had a high fever, the doctor was called immediately.

Correct answer: The patient had a high fever the doctor was called immediately.

Option C is a run-on (fused sentence) — two independent clauses joined without any punctuation or conjunction.

A run-on sentence (fused sentence) occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. Option C: 'The patient had a high fever' and 'the doctor was called immediately' are two separate independent clauses with nothing between them — a fused sentence. Corrections: (A) Use a semicolon; (B) Use a comma + coordinating conjunction; add a period to make separate sentences; or (D) Use a subordinating conjunction. Comma splices (two ICs joined only by a comma) are also run-on errors.

Question 21: What is the function of a gerund in a sentence?

It acts as a verb to show an ongoing action
It acts as a noun (subject, object, or complement) while having a verb form ending in -ing (Correct answer)
It acts as an adjective to modify a noun
It acts as an adverb to modify a verb

Correct answer: It acts as a noun (subject, object, or complement) while having a verb form ending in -ing

A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence (subject, direct object, object of preposition, or subject complement).

Gerunds end in -ing and function as nouns. They can serve as: (1) Subject: 'Running is healthy.' (2) Direct object: 'She enjoys reading.' (3) Object of preposition: 'He is skilled at listening.' (4) Subject complement: 'Her hobby is painting.' Don't confuse gerunds with present participles (same -ing form but function as adjectives or as part of a verb phrase). 'The running water' — running is a participle modifying water. 'Running is fun' — running is a gerund serving as the subject.

Question 22: Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' and 'effect'?

The drug effected the patient's blood pressure.
Stress can affect patient recovery times. (Correct answer)
What effect did the medication affect?
The medication had no affect on the patient.

Correct answer: Stress can affect patient recovery times.

'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence or have an impact on. 'Stress can affect recovery times' correctly uses 'affect' as a verb.

The affect/effect rule: 'Affect' is almost always a verb meaning 'to influence' (e.g., 'Smoking affects lung health'). 'Effect' is almost always a noun meaning 'result or outcome' (e.g., 'The effect of smoking is lung damage'). Memory trick: RAVEN — Remember Affect Verb Effect Noun. Option A incorrectly uses 'effected' (should be 'affected'). Option B correctly uses 'affect' as a verb. Option C confusingly mixes both words. Option D uses 'affect' where 'effect' (noun) is needed. Note: rarely, 'effect' can be a verb meaning 'to bring about' (e.g., 'to effect change').

Question 23: In the sentence 'Give the medication to whoever asks for it,' which word is correct?

whoever (correct as written) (Correct answer)
whomever
who
whom

Correct answer: whoever (correct as written)

'Whoever' is correct because it is the subject of the dependent clause 'whoever asks for it.' The subject of a verb needs a subject pronoun (who/whoever).

To choose whoever/whomever, analyze the dependent clause structure, not the entire sentence. The dependent clause is 'whoever asks for it.' In this clause, whoever is the subject of 'asks' — test: 'He asks for it' (subject form), not 'him asks for it.' Subject form = whoever. If it were the object in the clause (e.g., 'Give it to whoever you choose'), test: 'you choose him' → whomever. The entire clause 'whoever asks for it' functions as the object of the preposition 'to,' but whoever is the subject within that clause.

Question 24: Which sentence avoids the use of vague pronouns?

The doctor told the nurse that she needed more training.
After reviewing the chart and the medication order, the doctor realized the order contained an error. (Correct answer)
They said the hospital would expand its ICU.
It says in the policy that visitors must sign in.

Correct answer: After reviewing the chart and the medication order, the doctor realized the order contained an error.

Option B has no pronouns with unclear antecedents — every noun is specific. The other options use 'she,' 'They,' and 'It' with unclear or missing antecedents.

Pronoun clarity requires each pronoun to have a clear, unambiguous antecedent. Option A: 'she' could refer to either the doctor or the nurse — ambiguous. Option C: 'They said' — who is 'they'? No antecedent given. Option D: 'It says' — what does 'it' refer to? Vague pronoun. Option B avoids pronouns entirely and specifies all nouns clearly, making it the only unambiguous sentence. Clear pronoun reference is essential in healthcare writing to prevent misunderstanding.

Question 25: Which of the following correctly describes the difference between a phrase and a clause?

A phrase has a subject and predicate; a clause does not
A clause has a subject and predicate; a phrase does not (Correct answer)
Both phrases and clauses have subjects and predicates
Neither phrases nor clauses have subjects and predicates

Correct answer: A clause has a subject and predicate; a phrase does not

A clause contains both a subject and a predicate (verb). A phrase lacks one or both and cannot stand alone as a complete thought.

Definitions: A phrase is a group of related words without a subject-verb pair — it cannot stand alone as a sentence. Types: noun phrases, verb phrases, prepositional phrases, participial phrases, infinitive phrases. A clause contains a subject and a predicate (at minimum). Independent clauses can stand alone; dependent clauses cannot. Examples: 'in the morning' (prepositional phrase — no subject/verb); 'the nurse worked diligently' (independent clause — has subject 'nurse' and predicate 'worked diligently').

Question 26: Which of the following shows correct comma usage with a non-restrictive clause?

The nurse who works nights is tired.
The nurse, who works nights, is tired. (Correct answer)
The nurse who, works nights, is tired.
The nurse who works nights, is tired.

Correct answer: The nurse, who works nights, is tired.

A non-restrictive (non-essential) clause is set off by commas. 'Who works nights' is non-restrictive here (additional info), so it's correctly enclosed in commas in option B.

Restrictive vs. non-restrictive clauses: Restrictive clauses identify which specific person/thing and are essential to meaning — no commas (Option A: implies we need to specify which nurse). Non-restrictive clauses add extra, non-essential information — set off by commas (Option B: the nurse's identity is already known, and 'who works nights' is just additional info). Context determines which applies. Option B ('The nurse, who works nights, is tired') treats the clause as non-restrictive, which is grammatically correct with the commas. In testing, watch for whether the relative clause restricts or just adds information.

Question 27: Which of the following is an example of a transitional phrase that shows contrast?

In addition
Furthermore
On the other hand (Correct answer)
As a result

Correct answer: On the other hand

'On the other hand' is a transitional phrase that signals contrast between ideas. 'In addition' and 'Furthermore' add information; 'As a result' shows cause-effect.

Transitional phrases by function: Addition: in addition, furthermore, moreover, also. Contrast: however, on the other hand, in contrast, nevertheless, yet, but, although. Cause/Effect: as a result, therefore, consequently, thus, hence. Example/Illustration: for instance, for example, specifically. Time: meanwhile, subsequently, before, after. 'On the other hand' signals that the writer is presenting an opposing or contrasting viewpoint. Using transitions correctly is essential for coherent paragraph structure, which is heavily tested on the TEAS English section.

Question 28: Which option correctly identifies the indirect object in the sentence: 'The pharmacist gave the patient a medication guide.'?

pharmacist
patient (Correct answer)
medication guide
gave

Correct answer: patient

The indirect object is 'patient' — it answers 'to whom' or 'for whom' the action was done. 'Medication guide' is the direct object.

Sentence components: Subject: 'The pharmacist' (who performed the action). Verb: 'gave' (action). Direct object: 'a medication guide' (what was given — directly receives the verb's action). Indirect object: 'the patient' (to whom the medication guide was given). Pattern: Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object. Test for indirect object by inserting 'to' or 'for': 'The pharmacist gave a medication guide TO the patient' — 'patient' is the indirect object.

Question 29: Which of the following sentences contains a split infinitive?

She decided to study the material before the exam.
She decided to quickly study the material before the exam. (Correct answer)
She quickly decided to study the material before the exam.
She decided to study quickly the material before the exam.

Correct answer: She decided to quickly study the material before the exam.

A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between 'to' and the verb. In option B, 'quickly' splits the infinitive 'to study.'

A split infinitive occurs when a modifier is inserted between 'to' and the infinitive verb (e.g., 'to quickly study'). While traditionally considered incorrect in formal English, split infinitives are increasingly accepted. The classic example is Star Trek's 'to boldly go where no one has gone before.' On the TEAS, you should be able to identify split infinitives. In option B, 'quickly' splits 'to study.' In option C, 'quickly' modifies 'decided' (not splitting the infinitive). In option D, 'quickly' is misplaced after 'study' (awkward but not a split infinitive).

Question 30: What does 'voice' refer to in grammar?

Whether a sentence is a statement, question, or command
Whether the subject performs or receives the action of the verb (Correct answer)
The tone or formality level of the writing
The tense in which a verb is written

Correct answer: Whether the subject performs or receives the action of the verb

Grammatical voice refers to whether the subject of the sentence is performing the action (active voice) or receiving the action (passive voice).

Grammatical voice has two forms: Active voice (subject + verb + object) — the subject performs the action: 'The nurse administered the medication.' Passive voice (subject + to be + past participle) — the subject receives the action: 'The medication was administered by the nurse.' Active voice is generally preferred for clarity and conciseness. Passive voice is used when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or deliberately omitted, or in scientific writing to appear objective. Note: 'voice' in this grammatical sense is distinct from 'tone' (attitude) or 'mood' (indicative, imperative, subjunctive).

Question 31: Which sentence contains a correct use of an appositive?

Dr. Martinez, the chief of surgery, performed the operation. (Correct answer)
Dr. Martinez performed, the chief of surgery, the operation.
The operation performed, Dr. Martinez, as the chief of surgery.
The chief of surgery Dr. Martinez, performed the operation.

Correct answer: Dr. Martinez, the chief of surgery, performed the operation.

An appositive is a noun phrase placed next to another noun to rename or explain it. 'The chief of surgery' is correctly placed immediately after 'Dr. Martinez' and set off by commas.

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that immediately follows another noun to identify, rename, or describe it. It is typically set off by commas (non-restrictive appositive) when it adds supplementary information. Example: 'Dr. Martinez, the chief of surgery, performed the operation' — 'the chief of surgery' renames 'Dr. Martinez.' The appositive must immediately follow the noun it renames. Options B, C, and D all misplace the appositive, creating confusing or grammatically incorrect sentences. When an appositive is restrictive (essential to identify the noun), commas are omitted: 'My friend Sarah called' (vs. 'My friend, Sarah, called').

Question 32: Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

If I was the head nurse, I would change the protocol.
If I were the head nurse, I would change the protocol. (Correct answer)
If I am the head nurse, I will change the protocol.
If I be the head nurse, I would change the protocol.

Correct answer: If I were the head nurse, I would change the protocol.

The subjunctive mood uses 'were' (not 'was') for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions. Since the speaker is not the head nurse, 'were' is correct.

The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, hypothetical situations, recommendations, or contrary-to-fact conditions. For the past subjunctive (hypothetical 'if' clauses), use 'were' for all persons (including singular first and third person): 'If I were...' 'If she were...' — even though 'was' is the normal past tense for I/she/he. Option A is incorrect (common error — using 'was' instead of 'were' in a hypothetical). Option C is the conditional (real possibility, not hypothetical). Option D ('be') is incorrect. Common subjunctive contexts: 'If I were you...', 'I wish it were different...', 'It is important that he be present.'

Question 33: Which of the following is the best revision of this wordy sentence? 'Due to the fact that the patient was experiencing significant respiratory distress, the decision was made by the medical team to intubate him.'

Because the patient experienced significant respiratory distress, the medical team decided to intubate him. (Correct answer)
Due to the fact that there was respiratory distress, intubation occurred.
The patient, due to respiratory distress fact, required intubation by the team.
The medical team, because of the respiratory distress experienced by the patient, made the decision to intubate.

Correct answer: Because the patient experienced significant respiratory distress, the medical team decided to intubate him.

Option A eliminates wordiness by replacing 'due to the fact that' with 'because' and converting passive voice to active, producing a clear, concise sentence.

Common wordiness fixes: 'due to the fact that' → 'because'; 'at this point in time' → 'now'; 'in the event that' → 'if'; 'make a decision' → 'decide.' Additionally, passive voice ('the decision was made by the medical team') should be converted to active voice ('the medical team decided') for conciseness. Option A accomplishes both: uses 'because' instead of 'due to the fact that,' and changes passive to active. Options B, C, and D either lose clarity, add new errors, or remain wordy.

Question 34: Which sentence is punctuated correctly with a series of three or more items?

The patient needed oxygen, fluids and rest.
The patient needed oxygen, fluids, and rest. (Correct answer)
The patient needed, oxygen fluids, and rest.
The patient needed oxygen fluids, and rest.

Correct answer: The patient needed oxygen, fluids, and rest.

In a series of three or more items, a comma should appear after each item including before the conjunction. The Oxford (serial) comma before 'and' clarifies meaning.

When listing three or more items in a series, standard usage calls for a comma after each item, including before the final conjunction (the Oxford or serial comma). The series format: item1, item2, and item3. While AP Style omits the Oxford comma, most academic and healthcare writing uses it because it prevents ambiguity. Option B correctly uses the serial comma: 'oxygen, fluids, and rest.' Option A omits the comma before 'and' (acceptable in some styles but not on TEAS). Options C and D have misplaced commas that distort the sentence structure.

Question 35: Which of the following sentences contains a redundancy?

The patient was discharged from the hospital yesterday.
The patient returned back to the hospital for a follow-up visit. (Correct answer)
The nurse documented all of the patient's vital signs.
The physician reviewed the test results carefully.

Correct answer: The patient returned back to the hospital for a follow-up visit.

'Returned back' is redundant — 'return' already means to come back. 'Back' adds no new information.

Redundancy occurs when a word or phrase unnecessarily repeats information already conveyed by another word. 'Return' means to go back, so 'returned back' is redundant. Other common redundancies: 'advance planning' (planning is done in advance), 'free gift' (gifts are free), 'future plans' (plans are for the future), 'past history' (history is about the past), 'end result' (results come at the end). Good writing eliminates redundancy for conciseness. Options A, C, and D are clear and non-redundant.

Question 36: What is the correct capitalization for the following sentence: 'the patient was admitted to riverside community hospital on tuesday.'

The patient was admitted to Riverside Community Hospital on Tuesday. (Correct answer)
The Patient was admitted to Riverside Community Hospital on Tuesday.
The patient was admitted to Riverside Community hospital on Tuesday.
the patient was admitted to Riverside Community Hospital on Tuesday.

Correct answer: The patient was admitted to Riverside Community Hospital on Tuesday.

Proper nouns (Riverside Community Hospital) and the first word of a sentence must be capitalized. Days of the week (Tuesday) are also proper nouns requiring capitalization.

Capitalization rules: (1) First word of every sentence; (2) Proper nouns — specific names of people, places, organizations, days, months (but not seasons); (3) Titles before names (Dr. Martinez, not 'the doctor'); (4) Acronyms (ICU, EKG). In option A: 'The' (first word ✓), 'Riverside Community Hospital' (specific hospital name = proper noun ✓), 'Tuesday' (day of the week = proper noun ✓). Option B incorrectly capitalizes 'Patient.' Option C misses 'Hospital.' Option D doesn't capitalize the first word.

TEAS English: Grammar and Sentence Structure 1

Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?

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