TEAS Knowledge of Language practice questions

Sentence structure, formal and informal style, transitions, voice, concise wording and parallel structure. Knowledge of Language is 11 of the 33 scored questions in TEAS English and Language Usage.

scored questions

11

of English's score

33%

for all of English

37 min

1. 01English · Knowledge of LanguageWhich sentence is the correct passive-voice version of this sentence, with the verb tense unchanged? 'The night-shift nurse will have completed the audit before Monday.'+−

   • A. The audit will be completed by the night-shift nurse before Monday.
   • B. The audit will have been completed by the night-shift nurse before Monday. (correct)
   • C. The audit has been completed by the night-shift nurse before Monday.
   • D. The audit would have been completed by the night-shift nurse before Monday.

   The original verb is future perfect ('will have completed'), and its passive form is 'will have been completed.' Choice A shifts to simple future, which is the most tempting error because it also looks future-oriented.

2. 02English · Knowledge of LanguageA student emails an instructor to request an extension on a paper. Which version is most appropriate in tone and register for this audience and purpose?+−

   • A. Professor Lee, I need an extension on the paper due Wednesday because my child is sick. I will turn it in Friday.
   • B. Dear Professor Lee, I am writing to ask for an extension on my paper. My kid got sick, so I couldn't finish, and I'd love till Friday if that's cool with you. Thank you!
   • C. Dear Professor Lee, I regret to inform you that, as a result of my child's illness, you must grant me an extension until Friday.
   • D. Dear Professor Lee, I am writing to request a two-day extension on the paper due Wednesday because my child became ill. I can submit it by Friday and would appreciate your consideration. (correct)

   Choice D combines a courteous greeting, a clear request, a reason, and polite closing language in a professional register. Choice A is curt and lacks courtesy, choice B slips into casual phrasing ('kid,' 'cool'), and choice C is overly stiff and demanding rather than respectful.

3. 03English · Knowledge of LanguageWhich sentence avoids a dangling modifier?+−

   • A. After reviewing the lab results, the dosage of the medication was increased.
   • B. After reviewing the lab results, the dosage of the medication was increased by the physician.
   • C. After reviewing the lab results, the physician increased the dosage of the medication. (correct)
   • D. The dosage of the medication, after reviewing the lab results, was increased.

   In C, the introductory phrase 'After reviewing the lab results' is followed directly by the one who reviewed them, the physician. In B the physician is named, but the dosage is still the subject, so the modifier still dangles.

4. 04English · Knowledge of LanguageWhich revision is the most concise while keeping the original meaning? 'The reason the clinic was closed was because of the fact that the power was out.'+−

   • A. The reason for the clinic's closure was that it was a result of the power being out.
   • B. Due to the reason that the power was out was why the clinic closed.
   • C. The clinic was closed because the power was out. (correct)
   • D. The clinic closed, the reason being the power was out for it.

   Option C removes the redundant 'the reason... because of the fact that' and states the cause directly. The other options keep the wordiness or add new awkwardness.

5. 05English · Knowledge of LanguageWhich sentence is a compound-complex sentence?+−

   • A. Although the lab was busy, the technician finished the panels before noon.
   • B. The technician finished the panels, and the nurse delivered the results to the unit.
   • C. When the results arrived, the physician reviewed them, and she adjusted the dose. (correct)
   • D. The physician reviewed the results and adjusted the dose before rounds.

   Sentence C has one dependent clause ('When the results arrived') and two independent clauses joined by 'and', which makes it compound-complex. Sentence A is only complex because it has a single independent clause.

6. 06English · Knowledge of LanguageWhich transition best completes the passage? 'Early trials of the scheduling app were promising. ____, the full rollout revealed several serious software errors.'+−

   • A. Therefore
   • B. Similarly
   • C. However (correct)
   • D. For instance

   The second sentence contrasts with the promising early trials, so a contrast transition is needed. 'Therefore' wrongly implies the errors were a result of the promising trials.

7. 07English · Knowledge of LanguageWhich statement describes a situation in which the passive voice is the better choice?+−

   • A. The writer wants to stress who performed the action.
   • B. The writer wants the sentence to be as short as possible.
   • C. The writer wants the sentence to sound more energetic.
   • D. The writer wants to emphasize the receiver of the action, and the performer is unknown or unimportant. (correct)

   Passive voice places the receiver of the action in the subject position, which suits cases where the actor is unknown or irrelevant. Passive constructions are usually longer and less energetic than active ones, so B and C are wrong.

8. 08English · Knowledge of LanguageA student is writing a formal email to a professor to ask about a rubric. Which sentence is consistently formal in both vocabulary and tone?+−

   • A. I would appreciate it if you could clarify the grading criteria, as I'm kind of confused about them.
   • B. Would you kindly clarify the grading criteria for the final project, as I am uncertain how the rubric weights each section? (correct)
   • C. Hey Professor Alvarez, could you clarify the grading criteria, since the rubric is confusing?
   • D. Please clarify the grading criteria immediately, because the rubric is unacceptably unclear.

   Option B is polite, specific and formal throughout. Option D uses formal vocabulary but its demanding, accusatory tone is inappropriate for a request to a professor, and option A slips into casual phrasing ('kind of confused', 'I'm').

9. 09English · Knowledge of LanguageThe writer means that the tray held the sterile instruments. Which sentence expresses that meaning most clearly?+−

   • A. The technician placed the tray on the counter that held the sterile instruments.
   • B. The technician placed the tray that held the sterile instruments on the counter. (correct)
   • C. Holding the sterile instruments, the counter received the tray from the technician.
   • D. The technician, holding the sterile instruments, placed the tray on the counter.

   In B the modifier 'that held the sterile instruments' sits directly beside 'tray', the noun it describes. In A the modifier follows 'counter' and seems to describe the counter, and D makes the technician the one holding the instruments.

10. 10English · Knowledge of LanguageType the coordinating conjunction that correctly completes the compound sentence: 'The new aide did not read the manual, ______ did he ask anyone for guidance.'+−

    Answer: nor

    'Nor' joins a second negative independent clause and requires the inverted word order 'did he ask'. 'Or' and 'and' would not allow that inversion and would make the sentence ungrammatical.

Keep practicing

Sources

1. ATI: ATI TEAS exam details (sections, questions, sub-areas)

Updated November 6, 2026