Day 29th Day Topic 26

ATI TEAS Version 7 English & Language Usage section, followed by practice questions with answer options and explanations.

Quick Rules for TEAS 7

Feature	Parentheses ( )	Dashes (—)
Main Use	Add non-essential, supplementary info (like afterthoughts, citations, examples).	Add emphatic or dramatic interruptions; can replace commas or parentheses for stronger break.
Punctuation inside?	Full sentence inside needs its own period outside final parenthesis unless it's a complete separate sentence.	No extra punctuation with dash; dash acts as the break.
Grammar effect	Sentence should be complete without the parenthetical content.	Sentence should be complete without the dashed content (though dashes draw more attention).
Spacing	No space before or after parentheses inside sentence.	No space before or after em dash (—).

TEAS Tip: Dashes are longer than hyphens. On TEAS, a dash signals a stronger interruption than parentheses.

Practice Questions (TEAS 7 Style)

Choose the option that correctly uses parentheses or dashes for additional or interrupting information.

Question 1

The committee members three of whom had never voted before agreed unanimously to postpone the decision.

A) The committee members (three of whom had never voted before) agreed unanimously to postpone the decision.
B) The committee members three of whom had never voted before agreed unanimously (to postpone the decision).
C) The committee members (three of whom had never voted before agreed unanimously) to postpone the decision.
D) The committee members three of (whom had never voted before) agreed unanimously to postpone the decision.

Question 2

Her new apartment it was surprisingly spacious cost far less than the old one.

A) Her new apartment—it was surprisingly spacious—cost far less than the old one.
B) Her new apartment (it was surprisingly spacious) cost far less than the old one.
C) Her new apartment—it was surprisingly spacious cost far less than the old one.
D) Her new apartment it was surprisingly spacious—cost far less than the old one.

Question 3

Which sentence uses parentheses incorrectly?

A) Please arrive by 8:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time) for the orientation.
B) He finally finished his novel (after nearly ten years of rewriting).
C) The patient reported no side effects (the medication was well tolerated).
D) The lab results (which arrived late) showed no infection.

Question 4

Select the option that correctly adds a dash to indicate an abrupt interruption.

A) The three main symptoms—fatigue, fever, and cough—appeared within 48 hours.
B) The three main symptoms—fatigue, fever, and cough appeared within 48 hours.
C) The three main symptoms fatigue, fever, and cough—appeared within 48 hours.
D) The three main symptoms fatigue—fever—and cough appeared within 48 hours.

Question 5

The supervisor and I must clarify something the budget approval is not final.

A) The supervisor and I must clarify something—the budget approval is not final.
B) The supervisor and I must clarify something (the budget approval is not final).
C) The supervisor and I must clarify something, the budget approval is not final.
D) The supervisor and I (must clarify something) the budget approval is not final.

Answer Key & Explanations

1. A

Parentheses correctly enclose the non-essential clause “three of whom had never voted before.” The sentence remains grammatically complete without it. Others misplace parentheses or break sentence structure.

2. A

Dashes correctly set off the interrupting clause “it was surprisingly spacious” for emphasis. The sentence works without it. Option B (parentheses) is not incorrect grammatically but less emphatic; TEAS often prefers dashes for strong interruption. Option C and D are missing closing dash or misplaced.

3. C

Incorrect because the parenthetical “the medication was well tolerated” is a full sentence that cannot be inserted inside another sentence without proper separation. It creates a run-on. Correct would be: “The patient reported no side effects. (The medication was well tolerated.)” or rephrased.

4. A

Dashes correctly set off the list “fatigue, fever, and cough” as an interrupting element. Both dashes are present. Others either miss the closing dash or incorrectly break the list.

5. A

Dash properly introduces an emphatic interruption or afterthought “the budget approval is not final.” This clarifies or adds drama. Parentheses in B are possible but less forceful; TEAS may test distinction. C is a comma splice. D breaks the main clause incorrectly.

ATI TEAS Version 7 English & Language Usage section.
Answers are not included, so you can use this as a quiz or study worksheet.

Questions 1–5: Parentheses

1. The nurse reviewed the patient’s history diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol before prescribing the medication.

A) The nurse reviewed the patient’s history (diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol) before prescribing the medication.
B) The nurse reviewed the patient’s history diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol (before prescribing the medication).
C) The nurse reviewed the patient’s history (diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol before prescribing) the medication.
D) The nurse reviewed the patient’s history diabetes (hypertension and high cholesterol) before prescribing the medication.

2. The study published in 2021 found no significant correlation between the two variables.

A) The study (published in 2021 found no significant correlation between the two variables).
B) The study (published in 2021) found no significant correlation between the two variables.
C) The study published in 2021 found no significant correlation (between the two variables).
D) The study published (in 2021 found no significant) correlation between the two variables.

3. The medication may cause drowsiness do not operate heavy machinery after taking it.

A) The medication may cause drowsiness (do not operate heavy machinery after taking it).
B) (The medication may cause drowsiness) do not operate heavy machinery after taking it.
C) The medication may cause drowsiness do not operate heavy machinery (after taking it).
D) The medication may cause drowsiness — do not operate heavy machinery after taking it.

4. The results see Table 2 clearly demonstrate a decline in infection rates.

A) The results see Table 2 clearly (demonstrate a decline in infection rates).
B) The results (see Table 2) clearly demonstrate a decline in infection rates.
C) The results see (Table 2 clearly demonstrate) a decline in infection rates.
D) (The results see Table 2) clearly demonstrate a decline in infection rates.

5. The instructor required each student to bring their own stethoscope a basic tool for the course.

A) The instructor required each student to bring their own stethoscope (a basic tool for the course).
B) The instructor required each student (to bring their own stethoscope a basic tool) for the course.
C) The instructor required each student to bring their own (stethoscope a basic tool) for the course.
D) The instructor required each student to bring their own stethoscope a basic tool (for the course).

Questions 6–10: Dashes

6. The patient’s symptoms fever, chills, and night sweats prompted an immediate workup.

A) The patient’s symptoms fever, chills, and night sweats — prompted an immediate workup.
B) The patient’s symptoms — fever, chills, and night sweats — prompted an immediate workup.
C) The patient’s symptoms — fever, chills, and night sweats prompted an immediate workup.
D) The patient’s symptoms fever — chills — and night sweats prompted an immediate workup.

7. The surgeon made one thing very clear recovery would take at least six weeks.

A) The surgeon made one thing very clear — recovery would take at least six weeks.
B) The surgeon made one thing very clear (recovery would take at least six weeks).
C) The surgeon made one thing very clear recovery — would take at least six weeks.
D) The surgeon made one thing very clear recovery would take at least six weeks — .

8. The lab results though delayed by the storm finally arrived this morning.

A) The lab results though delayed by the storm — finally arrived this morning.
B) The lab results — though delayed by the storm — finally arrived this morning.
C) The lab results though — delayed by the storm — finally arrived this morning.
D) The lab results though delayed by the storm finally arrived — this morning.

9. She completed all the requirements except one the final competency exam.

A) She completed all the requirements except one — the final competency exam.
B) She completed all the requirements — except one the final competency exam.
C) She completed all the requirements except one the final — competency exam.
D) She completed all the requirements except — one the final competency exam.

10. No one not even the charge nurse expected the rapid decline in the patient’s status.

A) No one not even the charge nurse — expected the rapid decline in the patient’s status.
B) No one — not even the charge nurse — expected the rapid decline in the patient’s status.
C) No one not even the charge nurse expected — the rapid decline in the patient’s status.
D) No one — not even the charge nurse expected the rapid decline in the patient’s status.

Questions 11–15: Parentheses vs. Dashes (Choose the BEST option)

11. The patient’s blood pressure 142/92 mmHg at admission was noted in the chart.

A) The patient’s blood pressure (142/92 mmHg) at admission was noted in the chart.
B) The patient’s blood pressure — 142/92 mmHg — at admission was noted in the chart.
C) The patient’s blood pressure 142/92 mmHg — at admission was noted in the chart.
D) The patient’s blood pressure (142/92 mmHg at admission) was noted in the chart.

12. The nursing supervisor an experienced clinician with 20 years on staff vetoed the request.

A) The nursing supervisor (an experienced clinician with 20 years on staff vetoed the request).
B) The nursing supervisor — an experienced clinician with 20 years on staff — vetoed the request.
C) The nursing supervisor an experienced clinician — with 20 years on staff — vetoed the request.
D) The nursing supervisor (an experienced clinician) with 20 years on staff vetoed the request.

13. He promised he would arrive by 9 AM but of course he was late again.

A) He promised he would arrive by 9 AM (but of course he was late again).
B) He promised he would arrive by 9 AM — but of course — he was late again.
C) He promised he would arrive by 9 AM — but, of course, he was late again.
D) He promised he would arrive by 9 AM (but, of course, he was late again).

14. The meeting rescheduled from Tuesday to Thursday will now include the entire team.

A) The meeting (rescheduled from Tuesday to Thursday) will now include the entire team.
B) The meeting — rescheduled from Tuesday to Thursday — will now include the entire team.
C) The meeting rescheduled from Tuesday to Thursday — will now include the entire team.
D) Both A and B are correct.

15. The instructor’s final words were unforgettable study every day.

A) The instructor’s final words were unforgettable — study every day.
B) The instructor’s final words were unforgettable (study every day).
C) The instructor’s final words were unforgettable study — every day.
D) The instructor’s final words were — unforgettable study every day.

Questions 16–20: Identifying Correct Usage

16. Which sentence uses parentheses correctly?

A) The formula (for calculating the dosage) was printed on the vial.
B) The formula for calculating the dosage (was printed on the vial).
C) (The formula for calculating the dosage) was printed on the vial.
D) The formula for calculating the dosage was printed (on the vial).

17. Which sentence uses dashes correctly?

A) The three steps — assessment, diagnosis, and planning — must be completed in order.
B) The three steps assessment, diagnosis, and planning — must be completed in order.
C) The three steps — assessment, diagnosis, and planning must be completed — in order.
D) The three steps assessment — diagnosis — and planning must be completed in order.

18. Which sentence uses parentheses incorrectly?

A) The patient (who had no prior symptoms) tested positive for the virus.
B) The medication was effective (see Figure 3) in reducing inflammation.
C) The discharge instructions were reviewed (the patient nodded in agreement).
D) The lab closed at 5 PM (Eastern Time) on Fridays.

19. Which sentence uses dashes incorrectly?

A) The nurse explained the procedure — which took about 10 minutes — to the anxious patient.
B) The nurse explained — the procedure which took about 10 minutes — to the anxious patient.
C) The nurse — an expert in wound care — explained the procedure.
D) The nurse explained the procedure to the patient — a young mother of two.

20. Which sentence correctly uses parentheses for an afterthought?

A) She finally passed the exam (after three failed attempts).
B) (She finally passed the exam) after three failed attempts.
C) She finally passed the exam after three (failed attempts).
D) She finally (passed the exam after three failed attempts).

Questions 21–25: Mixed Punctuation & Interruptions

21. The charge nurse a calm and experienced leader quickly restored order in the ER.

A) The charge nurse (a calm and experienced leader quickly restored) order in the ER.
B) The charge nurse — a calm and experienced leader — quickly restored order in the ER.
C) The charge nurse a calm and experienced — leader quickly restored order in the ER.
D) The charge nurse a calm (and experienced leader) quickly restored order in the ER.

22. The answer is simple we need more staff.

A) The answer is simple (we need more staff).
B) The answer is simple — we need more staff.
C) The answer is simple we need — more staff.
D) Both A and B are correct.

23. The training session scheduled for Monday was canceled due to low enrollment.

A) The training session (scheduled for Monday) was canceled due to low enrollment.
B) The training session — scheduled for Monday — was canceled due to low enrollment.
C) The training session scheduled for Monday — was canceled due to low enrollment.
D) Both A and B are correct.

24. The doctor’s note which was written in illegible handwriting frustrated the pharmacist.

A) The doctor’s note — which was written in illegible handwriting — frustrated the pharmacist.
B) The doctor’s note (which was written in illegible handwriting) frustrated the pharmacist.
C) The doctor’s note which was written in illegible handwriting frustrated the pharmacist.
D) Both A and B are correct.

25. One thing remains certain the protocol must be revised immediately.

A) One thing remains certain — the protocol must be revised immediately.
B) One thing remains certain (the protocol must be revised immediately).
C) One thing remains certain the protocol — must be revised immediately.
D) One thing remains certain the protocol must be revised — immediately.

Answer Key & Short Reasons

1. A

Reason: Parentheses correctly enclose the list of medical conditions as additional information.

2. B

Reason: “Published in 2021” is non-essential information and is correctly set off by parentheses.

3. D

Reason: Dash correctly introduces the warning after the statement.

4. B

Reason: “See Table 2” is extra information and fits inside parentheses.

5. A

Reason: “A basic tool for the course” is an explanatory afterthought.

6. B

Reason: Dashes correctly set off the interrupting list of symptoms.

7. A

Reason: Dash introduces the explanation of what was made clear.

8. B

Reason: Dashes correctly enclose the interrupting phrase.

9. A

Reason: Dash introduces the specific exception.

10. B

Reason: Dashes correctly set off the parenthetical phrase.

11. A

Reason: Blood pressure reading is supplementary information.

12. B

Reason: Dashes correctly set off the descriptive appositive phrase.

13. C

Reason: Dashes emphasize the interruption “but, of course.”

14. D

Reason: Both parentheses and dashes correctly set off non-essential information.

15. A

Reason: Dash introduces the memorable final words.

16. A

Reason: Parentheses correctly contain non-essential information.

17. A

Reason: Dashes properly enclose the list.

18. C

Reason: The parenthetical phrase is a complete clause and is inserted incorrectly.

19. B

Reason: Dashes enclose too much of the sentence and are misplaced.

20. A

Reason: Parentheses correctly add an afterthought.

21. B

Reason: Dashes correctly set off the descriptive phrase.

22. B

Reason: Dash properly introduces the explanation.

23. D