ATI TEAS 7 English and Language Usage Test Practice (2025)

Want to walk into your TEAS English Language Usage test feeling confident and fully prepared?

You’re in the right place. This page breaks down every question type you’ll face in the English and Language Usage section of the ATI TEAS 7—and gives you FREE sample questions, expert tutor tips, and a printable PDF to guide your prep. This guide will help you get into nursing school.

Ace the Language Usage Test with Ease

"Many aspiring nurses worry about the English section of the TEAS. With guided practice, I help students master grammar, usage, and sentence structure to boost their scores and their confidence."

Gali. ATI TEAS Expert at TestPrep-Online

What Is on the TEAS English Language Usage Test

The TEAS English Language Usage test assesses a test taker's understanding and application of standard English. The test is broken into three main parts, and on this page we have sample questions from those three parts. we will start with conventions of standard English: 

Convention of Standard English:

Conventions of Standard English: This section focuses on the rules of grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.

Topics include:

  • Grammar: parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, pronoun usage, adjective and adverb usage, conjunctions, interjections
  • Sentence Structure: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences; identifying sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and dangling modifiers
  • Punctuation: comma usage, semicolon usage, quotation mark usage
  • Mechanics: capitalization, spelling (including homophones and homographs), prefixes and suffixes
    Word Usage: synonyms, antonyms, "who/whom", "could have" vs. "could of"

Free Teas English & Language Usage Practice Questions

Here are some sample questions. See how your knowledge stacks up.

  • Focus: Spelling and Word Choice
  • Specific Skill: Identifying and correcting common spelling errors.

TEAS English Language Usage Question 1

As the journalist was proofreading her article, she realized that some words were incorrecty spelled and needed correction before submission.

Which of the following corrects a misspelling in the sentence above?

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The correct answer is (b). "Incorrecty" is missing the letter 'l' and should be spelled "incorrectly." Let's analyze why the other options are incorrect:

  • Option (a): "Proofreading" is correctly spelled as one word
  • Option (c): "Realized" is the standard American English spelling
  • Option (d): "Correction" is spelled correctly; "correktion" is incorrect

Study Tip: When studying spelling, focus on commonly misspelled words and create mnemonics to remember challenging spellings.

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"When I coach students on spelling and grammar, I always say—look out for words your brain “autocorrects.” Read aloud and look for red flags like missing letters or wrong homophones. Mnemonics work wonders for tricky ones like “accommodate” or “definitely.”"

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Focus: Punctuation (specifically commas)

Specific Skill: Understanding comma usage in introductory phrases. The question tests the knowledge of when to use a comma after an introductory phrase.

TEAS English Language Usage Question 2

Which of the following sentences correctly uses punctuation?

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The correct answer is (C)

  • Option C is the correct choice because it appropriately uses a comma to separate the introductory phrase "Before the meeting starts" from the main clause "can you ensure that all the documents are in order?" This separation helps to clarify the sentence structure and improve readability.
  • Option A incorrectly uses an additional comma after "you," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow of the sentence. In this context, "can you ensure that all the documents are in order" functions as a direct request and should not be interrupted by a comma after "you."
  • Option B lacks the necessary comma after the introductory phrase "Before the meeting starts." Including this comma is important for indicating the transition from the introductory phrase to the main clause, which enhances the clarity of the sentence.
  • Option D incorrectly uses a semicolon instead of a comma after "Before the meeting starts." A semicolon is typically used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in context but could stand alone as separate sentences. In this case, "Before the meeting starts" is not an independent clause but an introductory phrase, making the use of a semicolon inappropriate.

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"If you see an introductory phrase (like “Before the meeting starts”), drop a comma right after it. I tell my students to “pause and place” — if your voice naturally pauses, a comma probably belongs there."

Focus: Sentence Structure (specifically dependent clauses)

Specific Skill: Identifying dependent clauses. This question requires the test taker to understand the difference between independent and dependent clauses

TEAS English Language Usage Question 3

Which of the following are dependent clauses? (Select all that apply.)

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A2: The correct answers are A and C.
Dependent clauses are groups of words with a subject and a verb that do not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. They typically begin with subordinating conjunctions like "because," "since," "while," "although," etc.

A. "Since the book was overdue." - This is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence without additional information. It starts with the subordinating conjunction "since," which signals that it's dependent.

C. "Because she practiced daily." - This is a dependent clause. It has a subject ("she") and a verb ("practiced"), but the sentence doesn't express a complete thought and relies on something else to make it complete. It begins with "because," a subordinating conjunction.

E. "While the cake was baking in the oven, the children were playing in the yard." - This sentence is a complex sentence, which contains a dependent clause ("While the cake was baking in the oven") and an independent clause ("the children were playing in the yard"). The dependent clause starts with "while," a subordinating conjunction, and cannot stand alone as a complete thought.

Options B and D remain independent clauses because they can stand alone as complete sentences.

Study Tip: Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like "since," "because," "while," or "although."

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"If you see an introductory phrase (like “Before the meeting starts”), drop a comma right after it. I tell my students to “pause and place” — if your voice naturally pauses, a comma probably belongs there."


Knowledge of Language:

Knowledge of Language: This section tests the test taker's understanding of how language works in different contexts.

Topics include:

  • Sentence Structure: recognizing and correcting double negatives, sentence fragments, and run-on sentences
  • Audience Awareness: evaluating if language is appropriate for a given audience (formal vs. informal language)
  • Writing Structure: understanding the function of introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs, topic sentences, and transition words/phrases

Focus: Writing Structure, specifically transition words/phrases and logical flow.

Specific Skill: Choosing the appropriate transition word to connect two clauses and establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

TEAS English Language Usage Question 4

Despite extensive preparations, Jane's presentation did not go as planned, ______ she forgot some of her main points.

Which of the following transition words or phrases best completes the sentence?

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The correct answer is C.
In the given sentence, the transition is needed to show causation or reason between Jane's extensive preparations and her presentation not going as planned due to forgetting some of her main points.

The word "because" effectively indicates that her forgetting the points is the reason the presentation did not go well, despite her preparations.

  • Option A, "furthermore," is used to add more information, not to show a cause.
  • Option B, "for example," is used when providing a specific instance or illustration, which is not the context here.
  • Option D, "however," indicates a contrast and would not be appropriate as there is no contrast between the two parts of the sentence — they are causally connected.

Study Tip: Create a personal reference chart of transition words grouped by their function (contrast, cause-effect, addition, etc.).

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"When choosing transition words, ask: “What’s the relationship here—cause, contrast, example?” I tell students to group transitions by type and memorize a few for each (e.g., because = cause, however = contrast)."

Start Practicing our TEAS 7 English and Language Usage Pack

Focus: Audience Awareness/Context and Diction.

Specific Skill: Recognizing language and vocabulary that evokes a specific historical setting.

TEAS English Language Usage Question 5

Which of the following sentences would indicate that the setting is in medieval Europe?

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The correct answer is A.

  • Option A suggests a setting in medieval Europe, as it mentions "knights," "jousting," and "the king's favor," which are indicative of the feudal societies and chivalric culture prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages.
  • Option B hints at a contemporary or futuristic setting, likely the 20th century or later, because it involves a rocket launch and a space center, which did not exist in medieval times.
  • Option C suggests a setting in ancient or imperial China, as it references scholars debating using Confucian texts, which are associated with Chinese philosophy and imperial scholarship.
  • Option D evokes the 1930s, specifically in the United States during the Prohibition era, indicated by the mention of "jazz rhythms" and "flappers," which were cultural icons of that time, along with "speakeasy," an establishment that illegally sold alcoholic drinks during Prohibition.

Study Tip: Pay attention to time-specific vocabulary and cultural markers. Create a timeline of different historical periods and their associated terms.

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"Words like “joust,” “king’s favor,” or “flapper” are clues. I help students connect key vocab with historical periods using a simple visual timeline—we build context together and it sticks."

Focus: Vocabulary and Word Parts (specifically prefixes)

Specific Skill: Determining word meaning through analysis of prefixes

TEAS English Language Usage Question 6

Based on an analysis of word structure, a "biannual" event happens___

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The correct answer is (A) Twice a year.

  • "Bi-" means "two" or "twice"
  • "Annual" means "yearly"
  • Therefore, "biannual" means "twice per year"

Common confusion point: "Biennial" (not "biannual") means "once every two years"

Study Tip: Create a prefix reference chart:

  • Bi- = two/twice
  • Semi- = half
  • Ann/Annual = yearly
  • Example: Semiannual = twice per year (same as biannual)

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"Prefixes are gold. I drill these with flashcards and quick quizzes: “bi-” = two, “semi-” = half, “anti-” = against. Understanding word parts helps decode tough words fast on test day."

Focus: Writing Structure (transition words/phrases)

Specific Skill: Choosing appropriate transition words to show contrast between clauses

TEAS English Language Usage Question 7

The DMV is issuing new driving licenses to people, men, and women under the age of 21. Which of the following words or phrases are redundant in the sentence above?

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The correct answer is (C)

The phrase "men and women" is included in the noun "people."

  • Answer (A) is incorrect because while the word "new" is not necessary for the sentence to be correct, removing it would change the meaning of the sentence.
  • Answer (B) is incorrect because the word "to" is a necessary preposition.
  • Answer (D) is incorrect because if the phrase "the age" were removed, the sentence would have a redundant "of."

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"In writing, less is more. I teach students to check: does this phrase repeat something already stated? “People” already includes “men and women,” so cut the fluff. Clean writing = clear thinking."

For a full-length TEAS practice test, visit our Comprehensive TEAS Free Practice Test.


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Using Language and Vocabulary:

Using Language and Vocabulary: This section focuses on effective communication and vocabulary skills.

Topics include:

  • Clarity and Conciseness: communicating ideas effectively
  • Vocabulary: determining word meanings using word parts (roots, prefixes, suffixes)

Focus: Clarity and Conciseness/Effective Communication, specifically academic integrity and source attribution.

Specific Skill: Understanding when citations are necessary in writing. This question tests the understanding of plagiarism and the importance of giving credit to original sources.

TEAS English Language Usage Question 8

In which of the following scenarios must the author provide a citation?

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The correct answer is D. Citations are required when:

  • Using direct quotes
  • Presenting specific data or statistics from others
  • Paraphrasing others' ideas
  • Referencing unique concepts or theories

Options a-c don't require citations because:

  • Option a: Presenting personal argument
  • Option b: Stating personal belief about data
  • Option c: Summarizing commonly known plot elements

Study Tip: Remember the acronym QUOTE:

  • Q: Quotes always need citation
  • U: Unique ideas need attribution
  • O: Others' research needs citation
  • T: Tables and data need sources
  • E: Expert opinions need references

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

" I use the acronym QUOTE:

  • Q: Quotes always need a citation
  • U: Unique ideas? Cite.
  • O: Others' data? Cite.
  • T: Tables and stats? Cite.
  • E: Expert opinions? Cite.*

  If in doubt—cite! "

Focus: Vocabulary, specifically understanding word forms and their meanings.

Specific Skill: Recognizing the correct noun form for "a person who advocates.

TEAS English Language Usage Question 9

Which of the following means "a person who advocates for something"?

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The correct answer is D.

An "advocator" is a person who supports or argues for a cause or policy. The word part "advocate" means to support or argue for, and the suffix "-or" typically turns a verb into a noun, indicating a person who performs the action of the verb. In this case, "advocator" means a person who advocates.

  • Option A, "advocate," while it can be used to describe a person who advocates for something, is primarily used as a verb.
  • Option B, "advocation," refers to the act or process of advocating.
  • Option C, "advocatee," is not a commonly used term and does not fit the definition provided.

Study Tip: Learn common noun formations:

  • -er/-or (teacher, actor)
  • -ee (employee, trainee)
  • -ist (artist, scientist)
  • Some words serve as both noun and verb (advocate, challenge)

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"Know your suffixes. “-er,” “-or,” and “-ist” usually signal “the person who does.” Advocate = verb. Advocator = person. I give my students a suffix decoder chart and practice with real examples like teacher, scientist, trainer, etc"

Focus: Vocabulary, specifically understanding word meanings (synonyms).

Specific Skill: Identifying a synonym for "prosperity." This question directly tests vocabulary knowledge.

TEAS English Language Usage Question 10

Prosperity most nearly means____

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The correct answer is (C) Affluence.

  • Prosperity refers to successful, thriving, or flourishing conditions
  • Affluence similarly refers to abundance and wealth
  • Other options are unrelated:
    • Longevity = long life
    • Weakness = lack of strength
    • Loneliness = being alone

Study Tip: Build vocabulary through word families:

  • Prosperity/Prosperous/Prosper
  • Affluent/Affluence
  • Create sentences using related words to reinforce meaning

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"I tell students to create word families: prosperity → prosperous → prosper. Then match them with synonyms they already know: “affluence” = wealth. It’s all about making connections."

Focus: Writing Structure (transition words/phrases)

Specific Skill: Choosing appropriate transition words to show contrast between clauses

TEAS English Language Usage Question 11

It is very rare to see green turtles off the coast of California; ________, during the summer they can be found among the rocks.
Which of the following words best completes the sentence above?

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Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is (C).
The two parts of the sentence are meant to contrast with each other. The first part states that it is rare to see green turtles, while the second part mentions that they can be found during the summer. The word "however" is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously. Therefore, "however" is the best word to complete the sentence. The sentence should read:
"It is very rare to see green turtles off the coast of California; however, during the summer they can be found among the rocks."

TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:

"Look for contrast. The first clause says it’s rare. The second says it happens. That’s a switch, so you need a contrast word like “however.” I have students memorize 5 contrast transitions—“but,” “yet,” “however,” “although,” “nevertheless."

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The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a common test for nursing schools nationwide. The test is comprised of several sections, including MathReading, and Science.  We will explain more about the English Language Usage section below.


What Is the ATI TEAS English & Language Usage Test?

The ATI Nursing English and Language Usage Section is one of the four sections of the TEAS exam – and includes questions that will assess your knowledge of proper English.

The section includes a total of 37 questions to be answered in 37 minutes. The section includes three types of questions:

  • Convention of Standard English
  • Knowledge of Language
  • Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing.

How To Prepare For the TEAS English & Language Usage Exam

Start Practicing Now!

Preparing for the TEAS English & Language Usage section requires a focused approach, as this part of the exam evaluates your proficiency in English language conventions, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Here are specific tips to help you prepare effectively:

  • Review Grammar and Syntax
    Study basic grammar rules, including parts of speech, verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence construction. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for answering many questions in this section.
  • Expand Your Vocabulary
    Enhance your vocabulary by reading widely and learning new words daily. Use flashcards, apps, or word lists to memorize definitions and practice using new words in context. Pay special attention to commonly confused words (e.g., there/their/they're, affect/effect).
  • Practice Reading Comprehension
    The exam may include passages followed by questions about the text. Improve your reading comprehension skills by practicing with diverse materials, such as fiction, non-fiction, and scholarly articles. Focus on identifying main ideas, supporting details, and authors' purposes.
  • Master Punctuation and Capitalization Rules
    Review the rules for using commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and quotation marks. Proper punctuation is essential for clear communication and is frequently tested in the exam.
  • Refine Sentence Structure
    Practice identifying and correcting errors in sentence structure, such as run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and awkward constructions. Understanding how to construct clear and coherent sentences is key to success.
  • Utilize Practice Tests and Prep Materials
    Take advantage of practice tests and preparation materials specifically designed for the TEAS English & Language Usage section. These resources can help you identify areas of strength and weakness while familiarizing you with the test format and question types.
  • Develop Proofreading Skills
    Hone your proofreading skills by carefully reviewing your own writing and that of others. Look for common errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation to improve your ability to spot mistakes quickly during the exam.
  • Study Context Clues
    Learn to use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases. This skill is valuable for both the vocabulary and reading comprehension portions of the test.

By following these strategies and dedicating consistent time to practice, you can significantly improve your performance on the TEAS English & Language Usage section.

Click here to get access to our detailed TEAS 7 Preparation!


What is Considered a Good Score on the TEAS English & Language Usage Section?

A good score on the TEAS English & Language Usage section varies by program, but generally, programs look for scores in the range of 60% to 80% (Overall TEAS 7 score which constitutes all the sections together). Competitive programs may require scores at the higher end or above. Aiming for a score in the 70th percentile and above is considered a high score.

However, it's crucial to check the specific score requirements of the programs you're applying to, as these will provide the most accurate target. Essentially, a "good" score is one that meets or exceeds the minimum requirement of your targeted nursing or allied health program.

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FAQ's

 The TEAS English and Language Usage section consists of 37 questions (with 9 pre-test questions).


Participants are given 37 minutes to complete this section of the TEAS exam.


Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, transitions, tone, vocabulary, and more.


Most programs expect 60–80%. Aim for the 70th percentile or higher to be competitive.