TEAS guide · updated 2026-09-29
TEAS English and Language Usage: what to review
The TEAS 7 English and Language Usage section has 37 questions, 33 of them scored, in 37 minutes: Conventions of Standard English 12, Knowledge of Language 11 and Vocabulary Acquisition 10. It is the last section and the fastest-paced, at one minute per question.
English at a glance
| Sub-content area | Scored questions | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Conventions of Standard English | 12 | Spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure (fragments, run-ons, comma splices, simple and compound sentences) |
| Knowledge of Language | 11 | Grammar for clear writing (agreement, pronouns, modifiers, verb tense), formal versus informal language, the writing process, organizing a paragraph |
| Vocabulary Acquisition | 10 | Working out word meaning from context clues and from prefixes, roots and suffixes |
Rules that come up again and again
- Commas: after an introductory clause, between items in a series, and before a coordinating conjunction joining two complete sentences.
- Semicolons join two complete sentences without a conjunction. A comma alone there is a comma splice.
- Subject-verb agreement: find the real subject and ignore phrases in between. "The box of pencils is on the desk."
- Pronoun agreement and case: "between you and me", not "between you and I".
- Modifiers go next to what they describe. "Walking to class, the rain soaked me" is a dangling modifier.
- Apostrophes: its (possessive) versus it's (it is); their, there and they're.
- Formal register avoids slang, contractions and casual phrasing in academic or professional writing.
Vocabulary from word parts
| Word part | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| pre- | before | preoperative |
| post- | after | postpartum |
| hyper- | above, excessive | hypertension |
| hypo- | below, deficient | hypoglycemia |
| -itis | inflammation | tonsillitis |
| -ology | study of | cardiology |
| bi- | two | bilateral |
| anti- | against | antibiotic |
Pacing and strategy
At 60 seconds per question and at the end of a 3.5-hour test, English punishes slow reading. Most items are single sentences, so read the options first and look for what differs between them: a comma, a verb form, a pronoun. That difference tells you which rule is being tested.
For vocabulary questions, cover the options, predict a meaning from the sentence, then pick the closest match. Word parts help when the context is thin.
Sample TEAS questions with answers
1. Which sentence uses a comma correctly?
- The lab results were normal, however the doctor ordered a follow-up.
- After finishing her shift, Maria drove straight home.
- She studied biology, and chemistry in the same semester.
- The tall, dark building, was renovated last year.
Show answer
B. After finishing her shift, Maria drove straight home. A comma follows an introductory adverbial phrase ('After finishing her shift'), which is the correct rule illustrated in option B. Option A creates a comma splice — 'however' is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction; a semicolon is needed before it. Option C incorrectly places a comma between compound objects joined by 'and' with only two elements. Option D incorrectly places a comma between the subject ('building') and its verb ('was renovated').
2. Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
- Running late, the bus was missed by Jerome.
- Running late, Jerome missed the bus.
- Jerome, who was running late, missed the bus.
- Because Jerome was running late, he missed the bus.
Show answer
A. Running late, the bus was missed by Jerome. A dangling modifier occurs when the modifying phrase does not logically connect to the noun that immediately follows it. In option A, 'Running late' must describe whoever was running late, but the subject that follows is 'the bus' — buses do not run late in this sense. Options B, C, and D all correctly attach the modifier to Jerome, who is the one running late.
3. Identify the sentence that is a comma splice.
- She wanted to attend the lecture, but her car broke down.
- He finished the report, then he emailed it to his supervisor.
- Although tired, she completed the entire assignment.
- The store was closed; we decided to come back tomorrow.
Show answer
B. He finished the report, then he emailed it to his supervisor. A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma and no coordinating conjunction. In option B, 'He finished the report' and 'then he emailed it to his supervisor' are two independent clauses joined only by a comma; 'then' is an adverb, not a coordinating conjunction. Corrections include adding 'and' after the comma, replacing the comma with a semicolon, or making the second clause a separate sentence. Option A correctly uses the coordinating conjunction 'but.' Option C is a single clause with an introductory participial phrase. Option D correctly uses a semicolon.
4. Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a semicolon?
- She packed her bag; and left for the airport.
- The café opens at seven; however, it is rarely crowded before nine.
- I enjoy hiking; beautiful scenery.
- He studied all night; because he had an exam.
Show answer
B. The café opens at seven; however, it is rarely crowded before nine. A semicolon can join two independent clauses, especially when followed by a conjunctive adverb such as 'however,' 'therefore,' or 'moreover' (which is itself followed by a comma). Both clauses in option B are independent. Option A incorrectly places a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction ('and') that joins a dependent phrase, not a full clause. Option C places a semicolon before a noun phrase, not an independent clause. Option D incorrectly places a semicolon before 'because,' a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.
Frequently asked questions
How many English questions are on the TEAS 7?
37 in total, 33 scored and 4 unscored, in 37 minutes.
What is on the TEAS English section?
Spelling, punctuation and sentence structure; grammar, register and paragraph organization; and vocabulary from context and word parts.
Try the free TEAS practice test
Questions tagged to the official outline, with an explanation for every answer. 15 free a day, no sign-up.
Start freeSources: ATI TEAS exam details · Indian Hills Community College: ATI TEAS 7 fact sheet · Valencia College: TEAS · ATI TEAS content outline, 2016 edition (TEAS 6). Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ATI.