NEX Grammar: Subject-Verb Agreement and Punctuation 3

Question 1

Which sentence correctly handles subject-verb agreement with an indefinite pronoun?

Accepted Answer

Everyone of the patients has been discharged.

Answer

'Everyone' is a singular indefinite pronoun and always takes a singular verb, regardless of the prepositional phrase that follows it.

Question 2

Select the sentence that correctly uses a dash (em dash).

Accepted Answer

The patient's condition—which had been stable—suddenly deteriorated.

Answer

Em dashes correctly set off a parenthetical element ('which had been stable') that interrupts the main clause, similar to commas but with greater emphasis.

Question 3

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the subjunctive mood?

Accepted Answer

The doctor recommended that the patient take the medication with food.

Answer

The subjunctive mood uses the base form of the verb (take, not takes or took) after verbs of recommendation, suggestion, or demand in a 'that' clause.

Question 4

Identify the sentence with a misplaced modifier.

Accepted Answer

Walking to the nurses' station, the chart was reviewed by the nurse.

Answer

In option A, the participial phrase 'Walking to the nurses' station' incorrectly modifies 'the chart,' implying the chart was walking. The modifier should be placed next to the noun it describes.

Question 5

Which sentence uses quotation marks correctly with other punctuation?

Accepted Answer

The patient said, "I feel much better today."

Answer

In American English, periods and commas always go inside quotation marks. A comma precedes a direct quotation, and the period goes inside the closing quotation mark.

(NEX) Nursing Entrance Exam Practice Test

(NEX) Nursing Entrance Exam Practice Test

NEX Grammar: Subject-Verb Agreement and Punctuation 3