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English and Language Usage
The English and Language Usage section of the ATI TEAS 7 assesses your command of standard written English, which nurses need for clear, accurate documentation. It covers three areas: conventions of standard English (grammar, spelling, and punctuation), knowledge of language (sentence structure and formal style), and using context and word parts to determine meaning. This chapter reviews the grammar rules most frequently tested, correct punctuation and capitalization, precise word choice, and strategies for decoding unfamiliar vocabulary using prefixes, roots, and suffixes common in medical terminology.
Grammar and Sentence Agreement
Grammar questions focus on making the parts of a sentence work together correctly. Subject-verb agreement and pronoun usage are the most commonly tested points.
Match subjects and verbs in number
A singular subject takes a singular verb. Collective nouns like 'group' are singular, so 'The group of students is studying' is correct despite the plural 'students.'
Use pronouns in the correct case
Use subjective pronouns (he, I, she) as subjects and objective pronouns (him, me, her) as objects. 'He and I went to class' is correct; test each pronoun alone.
Ensure pronoun-antecedent agreement
A pronoun must match its antecedent in number. Singular antecedents like 'each nurse' take singular pronouns: 'Each nurse must complete her charting.'
Choose the correct verb tense
Use simple past for a completed action at a specific past time: 'I went to the clinic yesterday,' not 'I have went.'
Punctuation and Capitalization
Correct punctuation clarifies meaning, and precise capitalization signals proper nouns and sentence boundaries. Small marks like commas, apostrophes, and semicolons carry important rules.
Set off introductory elements with a comma
Place a comma after an introductory word or phrase: 'After the exam, we went to lunch.' The comma separates it from the main clause.
Use apostrophes for possession
Singular possession puts the apostrophe before the s: 'the nurse's station.' Plural possession of a regular noun puts it after: 'the nurses' lounge.'
Join independent clauses correctly
Use a semicolon between two related independent clauses without a conjunction, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction: 'The clinic was busy; many patients waited.'
Capitalize proper nouns and sentence starts
Capitalize the first word of a sentence, proper nouns, and months: 'We visited New York in July.'
Sentence Structure and Style
This area tests how sentences are built and how formal writing is organized. You identify complete sentences, combine clauses, and choose language appropriate to context.
Recognize complete sentences
A complete sentence has a subject and a predicate and expresses a full thought. 'The physician reviewed the chart' is complete; a fragment like 'Because the patient was resting' is not.
Combine clauses logically
Join independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction to show the relationship: 'The test was hard, but I passed it' shows contrast.
Prefer active voice for clarity
In active voice the subject performs the action, which is usually clearer and more direct: 'The nurse gave the medication' rather than 'The medication was given by the nurse.'
Avoid double negatives and comparison errors
Use only one negative in a clause, and do not stack comparatives: say 'the easiest test,' not 'the most easiest test.'
Spelling and Word Choice
Accurate spelling and correct word choice prevent misunderstandings, which is critical in medical documentation. Homophones and commonly misspelled medical terms are frequent traps.
Distinguish common homophones
Use 'their' for possession, 'there' for place, and 'they're' for 'they are.' 'The students submitted their reports' shows possession.
Apply reliable spelling patterns
Remember 'i before e except after c' (receive) and watch double letters. Spell medical terms carefully: pneumonia, hemorrhage, diarrhea, asthma.
Form irregular plurals correctly
Some nouns do not add -s; 'child' becomes 'children.' Learn common irregular plurals rather than assuming a standard ending.
Choose precise synonyms
Select the word whose meaning fits the context. 'Benign' means harmless, so 'harmless' is its synonym, not 'harmful.'
Vocabulary: Context and Word Parts
The final skill is determining word meaning using context and the structure of words. Medical vocabulary is built from Greek and Latin prefixes, roots, and suffixes that you can learn to decode.
Use context clues
Surrounding words often define or hint at an unfamiliar term through synonyms, examples, or contrast. Substitute your guess into the sentence to confirm it fits.
Learn common prefixes
Prefixes change meaning: 'anti-' means against (antibacterial), 'pre-' means before, and 'sub-' means under. Recognizing them narrows a word's meaning.
Know medical roots
Roots carry core meaning: 'cardi' means heart (cardiology), 'nephr' means kidney, and 'pulmon' means lung. Combine roots with affixes to interpret terms.
Interpret suffixes
Suffixes signal the type of word or condition: '-itis' means inflammation (arthritis), '-ology' means study of, and '-ectomy' means surgical removal.
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