HESI A2 Grammar Exams — Grammar HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Select the sentence in which 'snake' is used as a verb.

Answer: B

Explanation:

B: The spy had to snake his way furtively onto the train.

In this sentence, 'snake' is used as a verb, meaning to move in a winding or stealthy manner. This usage exemplifies how 'snake' can describe a specific type of movement.

A) The cobra is a venomous snake.

This sentence uses 'snake' as a noun to refer to a type of reptile. It does not reflect the verb form of 'snake', which is necessary to answer the question correctly.

B) The spy had to snake his way furtively onto the train.

This option correctly uses 'snake' as a verb, indicating the action of moving stealthily or in a winding manner. It is the only choice that aligns with the requirement of the question.

C) The plumber used his snake to open up the clogged pipe.

In this case, 'snake' is also used as a noun, referring to a tool used by plumbers. This does not fulfill the criteria of the question, which asks for 'snake' as a verb.

D) You are being a snake when you steal from me.

Here, 'snake' is again used as a noun, describing a person who is deceitful or untrustworthy. This option does not provide an example of 'snake' functioning as a verb.

Conclusion

The correct answer, B, uniquely demonstrates 'snake' as a verb, indicating a specific action of movement. All other options use 'snake' in a noun form, failing to meet the criteria established by the question. Thus, option B is definitively the only correct choice.

2. Children generally ________ with others of the same size and age.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Children generally play with others of the same size and age.

Children typically engage in play activities with peers who are similar in size and age, making "play" the correct choice to complete the sentence accurately.

A) Play

This option is correct because "play" is the base form of the verb that fits with the adverb "generally." It correctly describes the action that children perform in relation to their peers.

B) Plays

This option is incorrect because "plays" is the singular third-person form of the verb. It does not match the plural subject "children," making it grammatically inappropriate in this context.

C) Played

This option is incorrect as "played" is the past tense form of the verb. The use of "generally" implies a habitual action in the present, not a completed action in the past.

D) Playing

This option is incorrect because "playing" is the present participle form of the verb. It does not fit the structure of the sentence as it requires a simple verb form to accompany the adverb "generally."

Conclusion

"Play" is the only option that correctly aligns with the grammatical structure of the sentence, emphasizing the habitual action of children interacting with their peers. All other options either misuse verb forms or tense, thereby failing to convey the intended meaning.

3. Which word is used incorrectly? 'The procedure for giving injections were explained thoroughly to the student nurses.'

Answer: D

Explanation:

The word 'were' is used incorrectly.

In the sentence, 'The procedure for giving injections were explained thoroughly to the student nurses,' the verb 'were' does not agree in number with its subject 'procedure', which is singular. The correct verb form should be 'was' to maintain subject-verb agreement.

A) procedure

The word 'procedure' is used correctly in the sentence. It is a singular noun that accurately refers to the singular action of explaining the method of giving injections.

B) student

The term 'student' is also used correctly. It describes the nurses as learners, which is appropriate in the context of the sentence. It does not present any grammatical issues.

C) thoroughly

The adverb 'thoroughly' is correctly used in the sentence to describe the manner in which the procedure was explained. It effectively conveys that the explanation was comprehensive.

D) were

The word 'were' is incorrectly used in this context. Since 'procedure' is a singular noun, the verb should be 'was' to ensure proper subject-verb agreement in the sentence.

Conclusion

The correct identification of 'were' as the incorrectly used word highlights the importance of subject-verb agreement in English grammar. While the other options—'procedure', 'student', and 'thoroughly'—are used appropriately, 'were' fails to match the singular subject, making it the sole error in the sentence.

4. Which phrase is used incorrectly in the sentence? He ate for pieces of fried chicken at dinner, and no vegetables.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The phrase "for pieces" is used incorrectly in the sentence.

The incorrect phrase in the sentence is "for pieces," which should be "four pieces" to accurately convey the quantity of fried chicken eaten.

A) Ate

The word "ate" is used correctly in the context of the sentence as the past tense of "eat." It properly conveys the action that took place during dinner.

B) For

The word "for" is incorrectly used in this context. It should be "four" to indicate the number of pieces of fried chicken, which is a numerical quantity rather than a preposition.

C) No

The word "no" is used correctly to indicate the absence of vegetables in the meal. It effectively communicates that the individual did not consume any vegetables.

D) At

The word "at" is used correctly in the sentence to indicate the time when the action took place, specifically during dinner. It accurately establishes the setting for the meal.

Conclusion

The phrase "for pieces" is the only incorrect usage in the sentence, as it should be "four pieces" to indicate quantity. All other options are used correctly, reinforcing the importance of precision in language, especially when expressing numerical values. Hence, option A is definitively the correct answer.

5. During the storm, the glass in three of the windows -------------------.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The glass in three of the windows broke during the storm.

The appropriate verb form to use in this context is "broke," indicating that the action occurred in the past. This aligns with the context of the sentence, which describes a specific event that has already taken place.

A) Broke

This option is correct because it uses the simple past tense, indicating that the action of breaking occurred during the storm. It accurately reflects the completion of the action in a past context.

B) Breaks

This option is incorrect as it uses the simple present tense, implying an action that is currently happening or a general fact. This does not fit the context of a specific past event during the storm.

C) Was broken

This option is incorrect because it uses the passive voice in the past tense. Although it suggests that the glass was broken by some force, it does not convey the direct action taken, which is better expressed by "broke."

D) Were broken

This option is incorrect as it also employs the passive voice. While grammatically correct, it does not effectively communicate the direct action of breaking that occurred as a result of the storm.

Conclusion

The choice "broke" is the only option that correctly indicates the action of the glass breaking during the storm in a straightforward manner. All other options either misuse verb tense or shift the focus away from the active nature of the event, failing to accurately capture the intended meaning of the sentence.

6. Select the word that makes the following sentence grammatically correct. These days, you can't learn how to use a computer.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Using "avoid" completes the sentence correctly.

In the context of the sentence, "avoid" fits grammatically and logically to convey that one cannot learn how to use a computer while trying to evade the learning process.

A) not

The word "not" does not fit grammatically in the sentence as it does not provide a clear action related to learning how to use a computer. Instead, it creates confusion regarding the intended meaning and context of the statement.

B) evading

"Evading" is a gerund that could theoretically fit into the sentence but does not function properly in this context. The sentence structure requires a verb that indicates an action related to learning rather than an ongoing action that lacks a direct connection to the subject.

C) despite

"Despite" is a preposition that does not fit the sentence structure required to complete the thought. It implies a contrast but does not provide the necessary action or verb form that the sentence needs to express the inability to learn effectively.

D) avoid

"Avoid" is the correct choice as it serves as a verb that conveys the action of deliberately steering clear of learning how to use a computer. This fits the sentence structure perfectly, making it clear that the inability to learn is linked to avoiding the process altogether.

Conclusion

The word "avoid" effectively communicates the intended meaning of the sentence, indicating that one cannot learn about computers if they are trying to avoid it. All other options fail to provide a grammatically correct or contextually appropriate solution, making "avoid" the definitive correct choice.

7. He tried to remember the names of all the people who were there that night.

Answer: B

Explanation:

He tried to remember the names of all the people that night.

Using "that" in this context effectively introduces a restrictive clause which specifies the people being referred to, making the sentence clear and concise.

A) Whom

"Whom" is incorrect in this context because it is used to refer to the object of a verb or preposition. In this sentence, the subject is "the names," making "that" the appropriate choice to introduce the clause.

B) That

"That" is the correct choice because it introduces a restrictive clause, which provides essential information about "the people." This usage clarifies which specific individuals are being remembered, making the sentence grammatically and contextually accurate.

C) Which

"Which" is typically used for non-restrictive clauses that add extra information rather than essential details. In this case, the sentence requires a restrictive clause, making "that" the better option.

D) Whose

"Whose" indicates possession and is not appropriate here, as the sentence does not seek to express ownership. The focus is on identifying the people present, which "that" accomplishes effectively.

Conclusion

The correct answer is "that" because it appropriately introduces a restrictive clause that specifies the group of people being referred to. Other options fail to fulfill the grammatical requirements of the sentence, either by misidentifying the role of the word or by providing non-essential information. This highlights the importance of correct clause introduction in sentence structure.

8. Which phrase in the following sentence is grammatically incorrect? After the policeman had ran for several miles, he finally caught up with the man who had stolen the purse.

Answer: A

Explanation:

had run

The phrase "had ran" is grammatically incorrect; the correct past participle form of "run" is "run." Therefore, it should be "had run" to maintain proper tense and form in the sentence.

A) had run

This option is correct as it identifies the grammatically incorrect phrase. The verb "run" is an irregular verb, and its past participle form is "run," not "ran." Therefore, the sentence should read "After the policeman had run for several miles..."

B) Several miles

This option is incorrect. The phrase "several miles" is grammatically correct and appropriately used in the context of the sentence, indicating the distance the policeman ran.

C) who

This option is also incorrect. The word "who" correctly serves as a relative pronoun in the sentence, linking the clause to the antecedent "the man." It is not grammatically flawed.

D) up with

This option is incorrect as well. The phrase "up with" is used correctly in the context of the sentence to indicate catching or joining someone. There is no grammatical issue with this phrase.

Conclusion

The identification of "had ran" as the incorrect phrase is accurate, as the proper form should be "had run." The other options are grammatically sound and do not present any errors in the context of the sentence. Thus, "had run" is the only choice that fails to conform to standard grammatical rules.

9. Scissors should never be ------------- by the handle.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Scissors should never be carried by the handle.

The sentence appropriately uses the past participle "carried" to indicate that scissors should not be transported in that manner.

A) Carrying

The option "carrying" is incorrect because it suggests an ongoing action rather than the appropriate form required in the sentence. The sentence structure necessitates a past participle to convey the intended meaning.

B) Carries

The option "carries" is incorrect as it is in the present tense and does not fit grammatically within the sentence. The sentence requires a form that indicates the action should not occur, which is not achieved with the present tense.

C) Carried

This option is correct because "carried" functions as a past participle in this context, properly indicating that scissors should not be moved or transported by the handle.

D) Carry

The option "carry" is incorrect because it is in the base form and does not align with the grammatical structure of the sentence. The sentence needs a past participle to express the prohibition effectively.

Conclusion

The correct answer is "carried" because it properly completes the sentence in a grammatically correct manner, indicating that the action of transporting scissors by the handle should not be taken. All other options fail to provide the correct grammatical form or tense needed for clarity and correctness in the context.

10. Which word in the sentence is NOT grammatically correct? Their are 3 things to remember for the test: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Spelling

Answer: C

Explanation:

C is the word that is NOT grammatically correct.

In the sentence, "Their are 3 things to remember for the test: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Spelling," the word "their" is used incorrectly. The proper word should be "there," which indicates location or existence.

A) For

The word "for" is used correctly in this context. It introduces the purpose or reason for remembering the three items listed, making it grammatically appropriate.

B) And

The conjunction "and" is also used correctly here. It connects the last two items in the list, which is standard usage in English grammar.

C) their

The word "their" is incorrect in this sentence. It is a possessive pronoun, while the intended word is "there," which functions as an adverb indicating existence or location. This misuse creates a grammatical error.

D) Are

The verb "are" is correctly used in this context. It serves as the linking verb for the subject "3 things," indicating a state of being and is grammatically accurate.

Conclusion

The word "their" is the only option that fails to meet grammatical standards in the sentence, as it should be replaced with "there." All other options, "for," "and," and "are," function correctly within the sentence structure, leaving "C" as the definitive incorrect choice.