HESI A2 Advanced Grammar – Nursing Entrance Exam Grammar Review &
Practice (2025-2026)
1. The nursing student carefully reviewed the patient's chart, which were located at the
nurses' station, before administering the medication.
A. which were
B. which was
C. that were
D. No change needed
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The relative pronoun "which" refers to "chart" (singular), not the possessive
phrase "patient's chart." Singular antecedents require singular verbs. Option A
incorrectly uses the plural verb "were." Option C changes the relative pronoun to "that"
but keeps the incorrect plural verb. The phrase "which was located" correctly maintains
subject-verb agreement.
2. Each of the clinical instructors have their own teaching methodology, but all
emphasize patient safety.
A. have
B. has
C. are having
D. No change needed
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In this sentence, "Each" is the true subject, while "of the clinical instructors"
is a prepositional phrase that modifies it. "Each" is grammatically singular and requires
the singular verb "has." This is a classic HESI trap where intervening plural nouns in
prepositional phrases distract from the singular subject. Option A incorrectly matches
the verb to "instructors" rather than "Each."
3. The research team is presenting their findings at the conference next week, despite
the fact that several members disagree with the conclusions.
A. is...disagree
B. are...disagrees
C. is...disagrees
D. are...disagree
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Collective nouns like "team" can take singular or plural verbs depending on
whether the group acts as a unit or as individuals. Here, the team presents as a unit
(singular "is"), but members act individually in disagreeing (plural "disagree"). Option B
incorrectly makes both plural; Option C incorrectly makes "disagree" singular; Option D
incorrectly makes "is" plural while the team acts collectively.
4. Between you and I, the new hospital policy regarding visitor hours seems
unnecessarily restrictive.
A. Between
, B. Among
C. Between
D. Amongst
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: "Between" is correct when referring to two people (you and I). "Among" is
used for three or more. While "Between you and I" is technically grammatically
questionable (formal usage prefers "Between you and me" as the object of the
preposition), this question tests preposition choice, and "Between" remains the correct
selection for two people. "Amongst" is archaic and unnecessarily formal.
5. The patient was advised to lay down for thirty minutes after the procedure to
minimize dizziness.
A. lay
B. lie
C. laid
D. lain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: "Lie" means to recline (intransitive verb - no object); "lay" means to put or
place (transitive verb - requires object). The patient needs to recline, so "lie" is correct.
Principal parts: lie (present), lay (past), lain (past participle), lying (present participle).
Option A incorrectly uses the transitive verb; Options C and D use incorrect forms
entirely.
Practice (2025-2026)
1. The nursing student carefully reviewed the patient's chart, which were located at the
nurses' station, before administering the medication.
A. which were
B. which was
C. that were
D. No change needed
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The relative pronoun "which" refers to "chart" (singular), not the possessive
phrase "patient's chart." Singular antecedents require singular verbs. Option A
incorrectly uses the plural verb "were." Option C changes the relative pronoun to "that"
but keeps the incorrect plural verb. The phrase "which was located" correctly maintains
subject-verb agreement.
2. Each of the clinical instructors have their own teaching methodology, but all
emphasize patient safety.
A. have
B. has
C. are having
D. No change needed
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In this sentence, "Each" is the true subject, while "of the clinical instructors"
is a prepositional phrase that modifies it. "Each" is grammatically singular and requires
the singular verb "has." This is a classic HESI trap where intervening plural nouns in
prepositional phrases distract from the singular subject. Option A incorrectly matches
the verb to "instructors" rather than "Each."
3. The research team is presenting their findings at the conference next week, despite
the fact that several members disagree with the conclusions.
A. is...disagree
B. are...disagrees
C. is...disagrees
D. are...disagree
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Collective nouns like "team" can take singular or plural verbs depending on
whether the group acts as a unit or as individuals. Here, the team presents as a unit
(singular "is"), but members act individually in disagreeing (plural "disagree"). Option B
incorrectly makes both plural; Option C incorrectly makes "disagree" singular; Option D
incorrectly makes "is" plural while the team acts collectively.
4. Between you and I, the new hospital policy regarding visitor hours seems
unnecessarily restrictive.
A. Between
, B. Among
C. Between
D. Amongst
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: "Between" is correct when referring to two people (you and I). "Among" is
used for three or more. While "Between you and I" is technically grammatically
questionable (formal usage prefers "Between you and me" as the object of the
preposition), this question tests preposition choice, and "Between" remains the correct
selection for two people. "Amongst" is archaic and unnecessarily formal.
5. The patient was advised to lay down for thirty minutes after the procedure to
minimize dizziness.
A. lay
B. lie
C. laid
D. lain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: "Lie" means to recline (intransitive verb - no object); "lay" means to put or
place (transitive verb - requires object). The patient needs to recline, so "lie" is correct.
Principal parts: lie (present), lay (past), lain (past participle), lying (present participle).
Option A incorrectly uses the transitive verb; Options C and D use incorrect forms
entirely.
