Day 17
Using Language and
Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing
ATI TEAS Version 7 – English & Language
Usage
On the TEAS, this skill focuses on choosing precise,
clear, and appropriate words to convey meaning effectively. You will
be tested on:
- Connotation vs. Denotation
- Formal vs. Informal Language
- Specific, Concrete Language vs. Vague Language
- Avoiding Wordiness and Redundancy
- Using Strong Verbs and Precise Nouns
- Transitional Words and Phrases
Below each concept, detailed explanations and
examples are provided.
1. 🔵 Connotation vs. Denotation
Denotation = literal dictionary
meaning
Connotation = emotional or cultural association
📌 TEAS Tip: Choose words whose
connotation matches tone (positive, neutral, negative).
|
Concept |
Example Sentence (with explanation) |
|
Denotation |
The child
was slender. (neutral – thin) |
|
Positive
connotation |
The child
was slim. (healthy, attractive) |
|
Negative
connotation |
The child
was skinny. (unhealthy) |
|
Neutral
(scientific) |
The
patient’s weight is below the 5th percentile. |
TEAS Question Example:
Which word best replaces “said” to convey anger?
A) whispered
B) muttered
C) shouted
D) stated
✔ Answer: C –
shouted (strong angry connotation)
2. 🟠Formal vs. Informal Language
|
Context |
Formal |
Informal |
||
|
Academic
writing |
✓ |
✗ |
||
|
Nursing
notes |
✓ |
✗ |
||
|
Text
message |
✗ |
✓ |
||
|
Tone |
Sentence |
|||
|
Formal |
The
patient exhibits signs of dehydration. |
|||
|
Informal |
The
patient looks really thirsty. |
|||
|
Formal |
The
researcher analyzed the data thoroughly. |
|||
|
Informal |
The
researcher went over the numbers. |
|||
📌 TEAS Tip: Avoid contractions,
slang, and vague words.
3. 🟡 Specific, Concrete vs. Vague
Language
|
Vague (weak) |
Specific (strong) |
|
She did
well. |
She scored
94% on the TEAS exam. |
|
Many
people came. |
Forty-five
participants attended. |
|
The
patient felt bad. |
The
patient reported sharp abdominal pain. |
|
Use a
tool. |
Use a
sterile 18-gauge needle. |
📌 TEAS Strategy: Replace general
words with exact details.
4. 🔴 Avoiding Wordiness and Redundancy
|
Wordy / Redundant |
Concise |
|
At this
point in time |
Now |
|
Due to the
fact that |
Because |
|
The reason
is because |
Because |
|
Repeat
again |
Repeat |
|
Completely
eliminate |
Eliminate |
|
In my
opinion, I think |
I think |
Example:
❌ The patient was very much in extreme pain
and also felt nauseous as well.
✅ The patient reported severe pain and nausea.
5. 🟢 Strong Verbs and Precise Nouns
|
Weak |
Strong |
|
The
medication had an effect on infection. |
The
medication resolved the infection. |
|
He made a
suggestion. |
He
suggested. |
|
She is in
possession of a degree. |
She holds
a degree. |
|
The wound
looked bad. |
The wound
appeared infected. |
📌 TEAS Tip: Avoid unnecessary “to be”
verbs.
❌ The lab results were indicative of anemia.
✔ The lab results indicated
anemia.
6. 🔵 Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitions improve cohesion and flow.
|
Purpose |
Transitions |
|
Add |
furthermore,
in addition, moreover |
|
Contrast |
however,
on the other hand, nevertheless |
|
Cause/Effect |
therefore,
consequently, thus |
|
Sequence |
first,
next, then, finally |
|
Example |
for
example, such as |
|
Conclusion |
in
conclusion, overall |
Example:
❌ The patient stopped antibiotics. The
infection returned.
✔ The patient stopped
antibiotics; consequently, the infection returned.
TEAS-Style Practice
Questions
1. Most precise sentence?
A) The patient had issues after surgery.
B) The patient experienced complications postoperatively.
C) The patient didn’t do well.
D) The patient felt bad.
✔ Answer: B
2. Replace vague word: “checked”
The nurse checked the patient’s vitals.
A) looked at
B) monitored
C) saw
D) glanced
✔ Answer: B
3. Free of redundancy?
A) The two twins each have separate
individual rooms.
B) The twins have separate rooms.
C) Both twins each have their own rooms.
D) The twins together share separate rooms.
✔ Answer: B
4. Best transition?
The medication may cause drowsiness; ___
patients should not drive.
A) however
B) for example
C) therefore
D) in addition
✔ Answer: C
5. Formal rewrite
“The patient’s fever went away after they
gave her the drug.”
✔ Answer:
“The patient’s fever resolved following administration of the medication.”
Section 3: Using Language
and Vocabulary (Questions 81–100)
50 practice questions for
the ATI TEAS Version 7 English and Language Usage section. Each question has 4
options. The answers with detailed reasons are provided at the end.
Practice Questions (1–50)
Question 1
Which sentence is
grammatically correct?
A) The committee
have made their decision.
B) The committee has made its decision.
C) The committee have made its decision.
D) The committee has made their decision.
Question 2
Choose the
correctly punctuated sentence.
A) Before leaving
the house she grabbed her keys wallet and phone.
B) Before leaving the house, she grabbed her keys, wallet, and phone.
C) Before leaving the house she grabbed her keys, wallet, and phone.
D) Before leaving the house, she grabbed her keys wallet and phone.
Question 3
Which sentence
uses the correct verb tense consistently?
A) He finished
his homework and then watches television.
B) He finishes his homework and then watched television.
C) He finished his homework and then watched television.
D) He finishes his homework and then will watch television.
Question 4
Identify the
sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.
A) Either the
doctor or the nurses is on call.
B) Either the doctor or the nurses are on call.
C) Either the doctor or the nurses am on call.
D) Either the doctor or the nurses be on call.
Question 5
Which sentence
is a run-on?
A) I love to
read; my sister prefers to write.
B) I love to read, but my sister prefers to write.
C) I love to read my sister prefers to write.
D) I love to read. My sister prefers to write.
Question 6
Choose the
correctly spelled word to complete the sentence:
The nurse will ___ the patient's temperature every hour.
A) monitor
B) moniter
C) monnitor
D) monitir
Question 7
Which sentence
contains a comma splice?
A) I went to
the store, and I bought some milk.
B) I went to the store, I bought some milk.
C) After I went to the store, I bought some milk.
D) I went to the store because I needed milk.
Question 8
Identify the
sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.
A) Each student
must bring their own calculator.
B) Each student must bring his or her own calculator.
C) Each student must bring our own calculator.
D) Each student must bring your own calculator.
Question 9
Which sentence
uses the apostrophe correctly?
A) The nurses'
station is located on the second floor.
B) The nurse's station is located on the second floor.
C) The nurses station's is located on the second floor.
D) The nurses station is located on the second floor.
Question 10
Choose the
correct word to complete the sentence:
The new policy will ___ all employees.
A) effect
B) affect
C) afffect
D) efect
Question 11
Which sentence
is a fragment?
A) After the
rain stopped.
B) After the rain stopped, we went outside.
C) We went outside after the rain stopped.
D) The rain stopped, so we went outside.
Question 12
Identify the
sentence with correct capitalization.
A) dr. Smith
works at the Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
B) Dr. Smith works at the Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
C) Dr. smith works at the memorial hospital in chicago.
D) Dr. Smith works at the memorial hospital in Chicago.
Question 13
Which sentence
uses a semicolon correctly?
A) I have three
hobbies; reading, writing, and running.
B) I have three hobbies: reading, writing, and running.
C) I have three hobbies; reading writing and running.
D) I have three hobbies reading; writing; and running.
Question 14
Choose the
sentence without a dangling modifier.
A) Walking to
school, my backpack felt heavy.
B) Walking to school, I felt my backpack was heavy.
C) Walking to school, the backpack felt heavy.
D) Walking to school, heaviness was felt in my backpack.
Question 15
Which sentence
uses the correct plural form?
A) The tooths
are white.
B) The teeth are white.
C) The toothes are white.
D) The tooth are white.
Question 16
Identify the
correct sentence.
A) He don't
know the answer.
B) He doesn't know the answer.
C) He do not know the answer.
D) He not know the answer.
Question 17
Which sentence
uses a colon correctly?
A) I need:
milk, eggs, and bread.
B) I need the following: milk, eggs, and bread.
C) I need: milk eggs and bread.
D) I need the following; milk, eggs, and bread.
Question 18
Choose the
sentence with correct parallel structure.
A) She enjoys
hiking, to swim, and running.
B) She enjoys hiking, swimming, and to run.
C) She enjoys to hike, to swim, and to run.
D) She enjoys to hike, swimming, and run.
Question 19
Which sentence
uses "whom" correctly?
A) Whom is
coming to dinner?
B) To whom should I address the letter?
C) Whom will be the next president?
D) Whom called me yesterday?
Question 20
Identify the
sentence with a misplaced modifier.
A) She nearly
drove her children to school every day.
B) She drove her children to school nearly every day.
C) She drove her children nearly to school every day.
D) She drove her children to school every day.
Question 21
Which sentence
is in the active voice?
A) The
medication was given by the nurse.
B) The report was written by the manager.
C) The nurse gave the medication.
D) The patient was seen by the doctor.
Question 22
Choose the
correctly spelled word.
A) neccessary
B) necesary
C) necessary
D) necessery
Question 23
Which sentence
does NOT contain a double negative?
A) I don't have
no money.
B) She didn't see nothing.
C) He can't hardly wait.
D) I have no money.
Question 24
Identify the sentence
with correct comma usage in a series.
A) I need to
buy apples oranges bananas and grapes.
B) I need to buy apples, oranges, bananas and grapes.
C) I need to buy apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.
D) I need to buy apples oranges, bananas, and grapes.
Question 25
Which sentence
is correct?
A) Its a
beautiful day.
B) It's a beautiful day.
C) Its' a beautiful day.
D) It is' a beautiful day.
Question 26
Choose the
sentence with correct subject-verb agreement when the subject follows the verb.
A) There is
several reasons for the delay.
B) There are several reasons for the delay.
C) There be several reasons for the delay.
D) There was several reasons for the delay.
Question 27
Which sentence
uses "effect" correctly?
A) The medicine
will effect your mood.
B) The new law will effect everyone.
C) The effect of the drug was immediate.
D) How will this effect the outcome?
Question 28
Identify the
sentence with correct quotation mark placement.
A) "Please
wait here", the nurse said.
B) "Please wait here," the nurse said.
C) "Please wait here" the nurse said.
D) Please wait here, the nurse said.
Question 29
Which sentence
is a compound sentence?
A) Because I
was tired, I went to bed.
B) I went to bed and slept.
C) I was tired, so I went to bed.
D) I went to bed after I finished my work.
Question 30
Choose the
correctly spelled word.
A) occured
B) ocurred
C) occurred
D) ocured
Question 31
Which sentence
uses the correct past tense form?
A) She had went
to the store.
B) She has went to the store.
C) She went to the store.
D) She have gone to the store.
Question 32
Identify the
sentence with correct comma usage after an introductory phrase.
A) After work
we went to the gym.
B) After work, we went to the gym.
C) After, work we went to the gym.
D) After work we, went to the gym.
Question 33
Which sentence
has correct pronoun case (subjective vs. objective)?
A) Me and him
went to the movies.
B) Him and me went to the movies.
C) He and I went to the movies.
D) I and him went to the movies.
Question 34
Choose the
sentence that is a complex sentence.
A) I like
coffee, and she likes tea.
B) I like coffee.
C) Because I like coffee, I drink it daily.
D) I drink coffee daily.
Question 35
Which sentence
uses "there," "their," or "they're" correctly?
A) There going
to the party.
B) Their going to the party.
C) They're going to the party.
D) There party is tonight.
Question 36
Identify the
sentence with correct subject-verb agreement in a complex sentence.
A) The box of
chocolates are delicious.
B) The box of chocolates is delicious.
C) The box of chocolates were delicious.
D) The box of chocolates have been delicious.
Question 37
Which sentence
uses correct capitalization for titles?
A) I read the
book "to kill a mockingbird."
B) I read the book "To Kill A Mockingbird."
C) I read the book "To Kill a Mockingbird."
D) I read the book "to Kill a Mockingbird."
Question 38
Choose the
sentence without a split infinitive.
A) She decided
to quickly finish the task.
B) She decided to finish quickly the task.
C) She decided to finish the task quickly.
D) She decided to, quickly, finish the task.
Question 39
Which sentence
uses the correct irregular plural?
A) There are
many mice in the basement.
B) There are many mouses in the basement.
C) There are many mices in the basement.
D) There are many mouse in the basement.
Question 40
Identify the
sentence with correct punctuation for a compound sentence.
A) I wanted to
go but I was too tired.
B) I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
C) I wanted to go; but I was too tired.
D) I wanted to go but, I was too tired.
Question 41
Based on the
root "aud," what does "audible" mean?
A) Able to be
seen
B) Able to be heard
C) Able to be touched
D) Able to be smelled
Question 42
Choose the
synonym for "arduous."
A) Easy
B) Difficult
C) Simple
D) Quick
Question 43
Use context
clues to determine the meaning of "benevolent" in this sentence:
"The benevolent donor gave millions to the children's hospital."
A) Cruel
B) Generous and kind
C) Poor
D) Angry
Question 44
What does the
prefix "post-" mean in the word "postoperative"?
A) Before
B) After
C) During
D) Against
Question 45
Choose the
word that is an antonym of "superior."
A) Excellent
B) Better
C) Inferior
D) Greater
Question 46
Which word is
a homophone of "plane"?
A) Plain
B) Planet
C) Plant
D) Plan
Question 47
Use context
clues to understand "reluctant" in this sentence:
"She was reluctant to speak in front of the large crowd."
A) Eager
B) Unwilling or hesitant
C) Happy
D) Excited
Question 48
What does the
suffix "-phobia" mean?
A) Love of
B) Study of
C) Fear of
D) Without
Question 49
Choose the
most precise word to complete the sentence:
The surgeon performed the procedure with great ___.
A) Carefulness
B) Precision
C) Goodness
D) Niceness
Question 50
Based on the
root "cardi," what does "cardiology" mean?
A) Study of
the brain
B) Study of the heart
C) Study of the lungs
D) Study of the bones
Answers with Detailed Reasons
Question 1:
Answer B
Reason: "Committee" is a collective noun treated as singular in
American English. Singular subjects take singular verbs ("has"), and
the correct pronoun is "its" (not "their").
Question 2:
Answer B
Reason: Use a comma after an introductory phrase ("Before leaving the
house"). Use commas to separate items in a series (keys, wallet, phone).
Option B correctly uses both.
Question 3:
Answer C
Reason: Both verbs ("finished" and "watched") are in the
past tense. Consistent verb tense is required unless a logical shift is needed.
Question 4:
Answer B
Reason: With "either/or," the verb agrees with the subject closest to
it. "Nurses" is plural, so "are" is correct.
Question 5:
Answer C
Reason: Two independent clauses ("I love to read" and "my sister
prefers to write") are joined without any punctuation or conjunction. This
is a run-on sentence.
Question 6:
Answer A
Reason: The correct spelling is "monitor" (mon-i-tor). Options B, C,
and D are misspellings.
Question 7:
Answer B
Reason: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a
comma without a conjunction.
Question 8: Answer
B
Reason: "Each student" is singular. Traditional formal English
requires a singular pronoun ("his or her").
Question 9:
Answer A
Reason: "Nurses'" is the plural possessive.
Question 10:
Answer B
Reason: "Affect" is a verb meaning to influence.
Question 11:
Answer A
Reason: "After the rain stopped" is a fragment.
Question 12:
Answer B
Reason: Proper capitalization rules for names and places.
Question 13:
Answer B
Reason: Colon is used to introduce a list after a complete clause.
Question 14:
Answer B
Reason: Correct placement of modifier with subject "I."
Question 15:
Answer B
Reason: "Teeth" is correct irregular plural.
Question 16:
Answer B
Reason: "Doesn't" is correct for third-person singular.
Question 17:
Answer B
Reason: Colon used after complete independent clause.
Question 18:
Answer C
Reason: Parallel structure maintained.
Question 19:
Answer B
Reason: "Whom" used as object of preposition.
Question 20:
Answer A
Reason: Misplaced modifier changes meaning.
Question 21:
Answer C
Reason: Active voice sentence.
Question 22:
Answer C
Reason: Correct spelling is "necessary."
Question 23:
Answer D
Reason: No double negative.
Question 24:
Answer C
Reason: Oxford comma usage.
Question 25:
Answer B
Reason: Correct use of "it's."
Question 26:
Answer B
Reason: Subject-verb agreement with plural subject.
Question 27:
Answer C
Reason: Correct noun usage of "effect."
Question 28:
Answer B
Reason: Correct quotation punctuation.
Question 29:
Answer C
Reason: Compound sentence with coordinating conjunction.
Question 30:
Answer C
Reason: Correct spelling "occurred."
Question 31:
Answer C
Reason: Simple past tense correct.
Question 32:
Answer B
Reason: Comma after introductory phrase.
Question 33:
Answer C
Reason: Correct subjective pronouns.
Question 34:
Answer C
Reason: Complex sentence structure.
Question 35:
Answer C
Reason: Correct "they're."
Question 36:
Answer B
Reason: Singular subject "box."
Question 37:
Answer C
Reason: Proper title capitalization.
Question 38:
Answer C
Reason: No split infinitive.
Question 39:
Answer A
Reason: Correct plural "mice."
Question 40:
Answer B
Reason: Comma before conjunction.
Question 41:
Answer B
Reason: "Audible" means able to be heard.
Question 42:
Answer B
Reason: "Arduous" means difficult.
Question 43:
Answer B
Reason: "Benevolent" means kind and generous.
Question 44:
Answer B
Reason: "Post-" means after.
Question 45:
Answer C
Reason: Antonym of superior is inferior.
Question 46:
Answer A
Reason: "Plane" and "plain" are homophones.
Question 47:
Answer B
Reason: "Reluctant" means hesitant.
Question 48:
Answer C
Reason: "-phobia" means fear of.
Question 49:
Answer B
Reason: "Precision" is most accurate.
Question 50:
Answer B
Reason: "Cardiology" is study of the heart.
Question 81
Which sentence uses the most precise word
choice?
A) The patient felt bad after the surgery.
B) The patient felt okay after the surgery.
C) The patient reported mild nausea after the surgery.
D) The patient felt stuff after the surgery.
Answer: C
Reason: “Mild nausea” is specific and medical, while other
options are vague or informal.
Question 82
Choose the word with the most positive
connotation.
A) Cheap
B) Inexpensive
C) Stingy
D) Poor
Answer: B
Reason: “Inexpensive” has a neutral/positive tone, while
“cheap” can imply low quality and “stingy” is negative.
Question 83
Which sentence is most appropriate for formal
academic writing?
A) The results were kinda surprising.
B) The results were really cool.
C) The results were unexpected and significant.
D) The results were awesome, honestly.
Answer: C
Reason: Academic writing requires formal, objective vocabulary
without slang or emotional expressions.
Question 84
Which sentence avoids wordiness?
A) At this point in time, the patient is
feeling better.
B) The patient is feeling better now.
C) The patient is currently at this point in time feeling better.
D) Right now at this moment, the patient is better.
Answer: B
Reason: “Now” is concise; other options are redundant.
Question 85
Choose the best transition:
“She was exhausted; ______, she continued working.”
A) however
B) therefore
C) for example
D) similarly
Answer: A
Reason: “However” shows contrast between exhaustion and
continuing work.
Question 86
Which word is most appropriate for formal
writing?
A) Kids
B) Children
C) Brats
D) Little ones
Answer: B
Reason: “Children” is neutral and formal; others are informal
or emotional.
Question 87
Choose the most precise verb:
“The nurse ______ the patient’s blood
pressure.”
A) looked
B) checked
C) monitored
D) saw
Answer: C
Reason: “Monitored” is the most professional and accurate
medical verb.
Question 88
Which sentence uses correct tone for a
business email?
A) Hey, send me the report ASAP.
B) Please send the report at your earliest convenience.
C) Give me the report now.
D) I need that report like right now.
Answer: B
Reason: Formal tone uses polite requests and avoids slang.
Question 89
Choose the correct meaning of the word
“scarce”:
A) Abundant
B) Rare
C) Large
D) Strong
Answer: B
Reason: “Scarce” means limited or rare in availability.
Question 90
Which sentence uses strong, precise language?
A) The patient was kind of sick.
B) The patient was not feeling good.
C) The patient exhibited symptoms of influenza.
D) The patient was a little off.
Answer: C
Reason: Medical vocabulary is precise and professional.
Question 91
Choose the correct synonym for “rapid”:
A) Slow
B) Quick
C) Weak
D) Small
Answer: B
Reason: “Rapid” means fast; “quick” is the closest synonym.
Question 92
Which sentence is free of redundancy?
A) The nurse repeated again the instructions.
B) The nurse repeated the instructions.
C) The nurse repeated the instructions again again.
D) The nurse again repeated again instructions.
Answer: B
Reason: “Repeated” already implies doing again.
Question 93
What is the meaning of “expand” in context:
“The lungs expand during inhalation.”
A) Shrink
B) Grow or enlarge
C) Break
D) Stop
Answer: B
Reason: “Expand” means to increase in size.
Question 94
Which sentence uses correct formal tone?
A) The results were super interesting.
B) The results were pretty okay.
C) The results were highly significant.
D) The results were kinda good.
Answer: C
Reason: “Highly significant” is formal and academic.
Question 95
Choose the best transition showing addition:
A) However
B) Therefore
C) In addition
D) Although
Answer: C
Reason: “In addition” adds supporting information.
Question 96
Which word best replaces “things” in formal
writing?
A) Stuff
B) Items
C) Objects
D) Everything
Answer: C
Reason: “Objects” is more precise and formal.
Question 97
Which sentence is most concise?
A) Due to the fact that he was late, he
missed the meeting.
B) Because he was late, he missed the meeting.
C) Owing to the fact of his lateness, he missed the meeting.
D) As a result of being late, he therefore missed the meeting.
Answer: B
Reason: “Because” is the simplest and clearest expression.
Question 98
What is the tone of the sentence?
“The findings strongly support the hypothesis.”
A) Informal
B) Neutral/Academic
C) Emotional
D) Casual
Answer: B
Reason: The sentence is objective and scientific.
Question 99
Choose the correct meaning of “consequence”:
A) Cause
B) Result
C) Beginning
D) Question
Answer: B
Reason: “Consequence” means result of an action.
Question 100
Which sentence uses precise vocabulary?
A) The patient felt bad stuff in his stomach.
B) The patient felt weird pain.
C) The patient reported abdominal discomfort.
D) The patient felt some things inside.
Answer: C
Reason: “Abdominal discomfort” is precise, medical, and
formal.
