Article
Grammar questions can be challenging when several answer choices appear almost correct. A sentence may contain the right words but still have a punctuation error, an unclear structure, or a problem with how its clauses are connected. Students preparing for the HESI A2 can improve their accuracy by learning common grammar rules and practicing how to recognize errors in context.
1. Recognize complete sentences
A complete sentence normally contains an independent clause: a group of words that expresses a complete thought. For example: The student reviewed the chapter. This is a complete sentence because it communicates a full idea. By contrast: Because the student reviewed the chapter. This is a fragment when it stands alone. The word because introduces a dependent clause, leaving the reader expecting additional information. A complete version might be: Because the student reviewed the chapter, she understood the lesson. When checking a sentence, identify its subject and verb, then determine whether the thought is complete.
2. Avoid comma splices
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined using only a comma. Incorrect: The lecture ended, the students left. Both parts could stand alone as sentences. You can correct the problem by using a period: The lecture ended. The students left. You could also use a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction: The lecture ended, and the students left. Learning to recognize independent clauses makes these errors easier to identify.
3. Use commas appropriately
Commas separate certain sentence elements and improve clarity. For example, use a comma after an introductory phrase: After reviewing her notes, Maya completed the quiz. Commas are also commonly used to separate items in a series: The student packed pencils, notebooks, and a calculator. However, a comma should not automatically be inserted wherever a speaker pauses. Use the grammatical structure of the sentence to decide whether punctuation is necessary.
4. Understand apostrophes
Apostrophes can indicate possession or form contractions. For a singular noun, possession is often shown by adding apostrophe-s: The student's notebook was missing. For a regular plural noun ending in s, an apostrophe is commonly placed after the final s: The students' classroom was clean. Contractions combine words: It's means it is or it has in certain contexts, while its is possessive. Compare these examples: - It's time to study. - The machine lost its power. Remembering this distinction can help you avoid a frequent punctuation mistake.
5. Check subject-verb agreement
The subject and verb should agree in number. Correct: The student studies every evening. Correct: The students study every evening. A phrase between the subject and verb can sometimes distract you from the actual subject. For example:
6. Watch for unclear pronouns
Pronouns such as he, she, it, and they should refer clearly to the intended person or thing. An unclear sentence might say: When Ana spoke to Maria, she was worried. It is not clear which person was worried. Rewriting the sentence can remove the ambiguity: Ana was worried when she spoke to Maria. Clear writing helps readers understand exactly what the author means.
7. Build a grammar review routine
Practice a small number of questions each day. For every incorrect answer, record the rule you missed and write a corrected sentence. Organize your review by topic: sentence fragments, comma splices, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, and pronoun clarity. Avoid trying to memorize every grammar rule at once. Focus on the errors that appear most often in your practice work.
Improve through consistent practice
Grammar becomes easier when you learn to explain why a sentence is correct or incorrect. Read each question carefully, identify the relevant rule, and eliminate options that introduce new errors.
