HESI A2 Grammar Practice Test

Here is our free HESI A2 Grammar Practice Test. This test has 50 grammar practice questions that follow the same format as those on the HESI Admission Assessment Exam. These questions will evaluate your ability to write sentences in English using proper grammar. They are designed to cover all of the key concepts that you need to know for this test. Read each question carefully and select the best answer. After you submit your answer, the correct answer is provided along with a detailed explanation.

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Question 1
Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.

She was _____ exhausted than her sister after they ran the marathon.

A
most
B
more
C
increasingly
D
the more
Question 1 Explanation: 
Since we are only comparing two individuals (the subject “she” and “her sister”), we need to use the correct comparative form, “more.” The word “most” is used when discussing three or more people. There is no need to use the article “the” in front of “more.”
Question 2
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
The soccer player ran quick to the goal.
B
The soccer player did run quickly to the goal.
C
The soccer player did ran quickly to the goal.
D
The soccer player ran quickly to the goal.
Question 2 Explanation: 
Since “ran” is a verb, we need the adverb form “quickly” to modify it. “Quick” is an adjective and describes nouns, not verbs.
Question 3
In the following sentence, which is the dependent clause?

The World War II soldier was a hero, especially because of his actions during the invasion of Normandy.

A
The World War II soldier
B
was a hero
C
especially because of his actions during the invasion of Normandy
D
the invasion of Normandy
Question 3 Explanation: 
A dependent clause is a group of words with a noun and a verb. It does not express a complete thought, so it is not a sentence and can't stand alone. The independent clause here is “The World War II soldier was a hero,” since that can stand on its own as a complete thought. The rest of the sentence, separated by a comma, is a dependent clause.
Question 4
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
Before I lie down to go to sleep, I lay down my book on the nightstand.
B
I lay down my book on the nightstand before I lay down to go to sleep.
C
I lie my book down on the nightstand before I lie down to go to sleep.
D
Before I lain down to go to sleep, I lied down my book on the nightstand.
Question 4 Explanation: 
Lay means to put something down. It always takes an object. Lie means to recline or to be sedentary. It does not take an object. Answer choice (A) is the only one that uses the correct verbs.
Question 5
Which word from the following sentence is a noun?

The dog jumped into the air to catch the Frisbee.

A
jumped
B
into
C
catch
D
air
Question 5 Explanation: 
There are several nouns in this sentence: “dog,” “air,” and “Frisbee.” The words “jumped” and “catch” are verbs. The word “into” is a preposition.
Question 6
Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.

Germany has _____ bluebells than does England.

A
the least
B
less
C
fewer
D
lesser
Question 6 Explanation: 
The word “fewer” is used to describe a countable noun that decreases. “Bluebells” is countable, so we would use “fewer.” “Less” is used for uncountable amounts. “Least” is superlative and is used to relate three or more items in a group.
Question 7
Which word in the following sentence is a preposition?

The Vikings travelled in wooden boats across the Atlantic Ocean.

A
Vikings
B
travelled
C
boats
D
across
Question 7 Explanation: 
There are two prepositions in this sentence: “in” and “across.” The words “Vikings” and “boats” are nouns. The word “travelled” is a verb.
Question 8
Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.

Neither of the flower bouquets ______ as full as the one we ordered last year.

A
are
B
is
C
were
D
being
Question 8 Explanation: 
The verb in a “neither/nor” sentence agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it. However, since “nor” is missing from this sentence, that makes “neither” the subject. It is singular and should take the singular verb “is.”
Question 9
Which word in the following sentence is the subject?

The opera singer’s solo had a profound impact on the audience.

A
solo
B
impact
C
audience
D
opera singer
Question 9 Explanation: 
The subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something. Ask yourself: what “had” an impact? The answer is the “solo.” That must be the subject.
Question 10
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
My favorite outdoor activities include camping fly-fishing, and river-rafting.
B
My favorite outdoor activities include camping and fly-fishing, and also river-rafting.
C
My favorite outdoor activities include camping, fly-fishing, and river-rafting.
D
My favorite outdoor activities include camping and fly-fishing and river-rafting.
Question 10 Explanation: 
Items in a list should be separated by commas. Only choice (C) correctly separates all of the items with commas, giving them equal weight.
Question 11
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
Since the professor was excessively boring; many of his students fell asleep.
B
Since the professor was excessively boring, many of his students fell asleep.
C
Since the professor was excessively boring many of his students fell asleep.
D
Since the professor was, excessively boring, many of his students fell asleep.
Question 11 Explanation: 
This sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. There should be a comma separating the two clauses. No other punctuation is necessary.
Question 12
Which word or phrase in the following sentence is the simple predicate?

Due to her stingy nature, the famous actress was not generous with her friends and family.

A
Due to her stingy nature
B
the famous actress
C
was generous
D
generous
Question 12 Explanation: 
The simple predicate is the verb of a sentence. In this sentence, it is the helping verb “was” and the main verb “generous.”
Question 13
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
He could accept anything from her, accept a lie.
B
He could except anything from her, accept a lie.
C
He could accept anything from her, except a lie.
D
He could except anything from her, except a lie.
Question 13 Explanation: 
The word “accept” means "to receive." “Except” is usually a preposition meaning "but" or "leaving out." The correct answer is the only one that uses both these words correctly.
Question 14
Select the best word or words for the blank in the following sentence.

_______ confident that with enough study they can easily pass the final exam.

A
They have
B
There
C
Their
D
They’re
Question 14 Explanation: 
The contraction “they’re” has the same meaning as “they are” and is the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
Question 15
Select the best words for the blank in the following sentence.

To ______ should I address the postcard?

A
who
B
whom
C
which
D
the which
Question 15 Explanation: 
The word “who” is a subject pronoun and the word “whom” is the object pronoun. Since we’re discussing a human being, we would not use the word “which.” Since the blank is preceded by the article “to,” we need the object pronoun “whom.”
Question 16
Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.

The mountaineering group _____ looking forward to climbing K2 next year.

A
is
B
are
C
be
D
were
Question 16 Explanation: 
The word “group” is a collective noun, so it takes a singular verb. In context, the phrase “next year” shows that they are currently looking forward to the climb, so a present-tense verb is required. "Is" is singular and present-tense.
Question 17
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
The nervous student tapped his foot impatiently under his desk.
B
The nervous student did tap his foot with impatience under his desk.
C
The nervous student tapped his foot impatient under the desk.
D
The nervous student impatient did tap his foot under the desk.
Question 17 Explanation: 
Since “tapped” is a verb, we need the adverb “impatiently” to modify it.
Question 18
Which word in the following sentence is grammatically incorrect?

The admissions consultant outlined what makes a thorough application package, unrespective of financial hardship.

A
consultant
B
thorough
C
package
D
unrespective
Question 18 Explanation: 
“Unrespective” is incorrect. The correct word is “irrespective.”
Question 19
In the following sentence, which is the dependent clause?

Sofia won't be able to compete in the race because she wrecked her car.

A
because she wrecked her car
B
compete in the race
C
Sofia won't be able to compete in the race
D
her car
Question 19 Explanation: 
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb or verb phrase. An independent clause expresses a complete thought while a dependent clause does not.

Dependent clauses usually begin with words like after, although, because, before, if, since, that, until, what, when, where, who, which, or why.

The dependent clause, "because she wrecked her car," contains the subject "she" and the verb "wrecked." It does not express a complete thought.
Question 20
Which word from the following sentence is a noun?

The real Ichabod Crane was a military officer who met Washington Irving in 1814 at Fort Pike.

A
was
B
who
C
met
D
Pike
Question 20 Explanation: 
The word “Pike” is a noun since it is a place. The words “was” and “met” are verbs. The word “who” is a pronoun.
Question 21
Which of the following is an example of a simple sentence?

A
The movie about the comic book superhero.
B
The movie about the comic book superhero that I watched last Friday night was very entertaining.
C
The movie about the comic book superhero had never interested me until last week.
D
The movie about the comic book superhero fascinated me, but it bored my best friend.
Question 21 Explanation: 
A simple sentence contains one subject and one verb.
Question 22
Which word in the following sentence is a conjunction?

In 1994, Dan Manion set the current record for a deep dive on air at 509 feet, but reported feeling strong effects of narcosis at such a depth.

A
but
B
on
C
at
D
for
Question 22 Explanation: 
A conjunction is a word that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words. The only conjunction in this sentence is the word “but.” “For” can be a conjunction, but in this sentence it is used as a preposition. “On” and “at” are prepositions.
Question 23
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
They’re concern is that their may not be enough appetizers for everyone there expecting at the cocktail party.
B
Their concern is that they’re may not be enough appetizers for everyone there expecting at the cocktail party.
C
Their concern is that there may not be enough appetizers for everyone they’re expecting at the cocktail party.
D
There concern is that they’re may not be enough appetizers for everyone their expecting at the cocktail party.
Question 23 Explanation: 
“Their” is a pronoun used to refer to a group of people. Since the “concern” belongs to a group of people, we’d use the word “their” to explain the possessive meaning. The word “they’re” is a contraction of “they are.” “There” is a word describing location. The correct answer is the only one that uses all three words properly.
Question 24
Select the best words for the blanks in the following sentence.

The clock shows ____ almost nine o’clock, so the bridal shop will soon be opening ____ doors.

A
it’s, its
B
its, its
C
it’s, its’
D
its, it’s
Question 24 Explanation: 
The first blank needs to encompass the meaning of “it is,” which is the contraction “it’s.” The second blank needs the possessive form “its.”
Question 25
Select the best punctuation mark for the blank in the following sentence.

Follow these directions to get to the church__ make a left at the next intersection, drive three miles to the third stop sign, then turn left, and continue another two miles until you see the parking lot on the right-hand side.

A
comma
B
semicolon
C
colon
D
dash
Question 25 Explanation: 
A colon introduces items in a list or a definition. Since the meaning of this sentence is offering a list of directions, a colon is the correct piece of punctuation.
Question 26
Which word from the following sentence is a noun?

The medical examiner was called in to perform a post-mortem examination.

A
medical
B
was
C
perform
D
examination
Question 26 Explanation: 
The nouns in the sentence are “examiner” and “examination.” The word “medical” is an adjective. “Was” and “perform” are verbs.
Question 27
Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.

When the gymnastic athletes travel for a competition, a chaperone must accompany ____.

A
it
B
them
C
all of it
D
their
Question 27 Explanation: 
Since the antecedent is the plural “athletes,” we need a pronoun that is also plural to replace it at the end of the sentence. "Them" is the correct object pronoun.
Question 28
Select the phrase that makes this sentence grammatically correct.

Next year, I __________.

A
completed my college degree
B
did complete my college degree
C
will complete my college degree
D
completing my college degree
Question 28 Explanation: 
The phrase “next year” indicates the future tense is needed. The verb “will complete” is correctly in the future tense.
Question 29
Which word or phrase in the following sentence is the simple predicate?

So many types of birthday cake put Cynthia at a loss.

A
put
B
put at a loss
C
put Cynthia
D
put Cynthia at a loss
Question 29 Explanation: 
A simple predicate is the main verb in a sentence. In this case, it is the word “put.”
Question 30
Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.

The United States has _____ states than Europe has countries; there are only 47 European countries, but there are 50 states in America.

A
the more
B
most
C
more
D
many
Question 30 Explanation: 
Based on the context of the second clause, we know that there must be MORE states than European countries. When comparing two items (the United States and Europe), we use the comparative word “more.” If we were comparing three or more items, we’d use the superlative form “most.”
Question 31
Which sentence is the clearest?

A
At the age of twelve, my parents sent me to boarding school.
B
When I was twelve, my parents sent me to boarding school.
C
At the age of twelve, I sent my parents to boarding school.
D
My parents, at the age of twelve, sent me to boarding school.
Question 31 Explanation: 
The correct answer has the clearest, most logical meaning. The other options make it sound like the parents were age 12 or that the parents were sent to boarding school.
Question 32
Select the word or phrase that makes this sentence grammatically correct.

The child ____ to ride all the roller coasters at Disneyland.

A
wants
B
want
C
does want
D
has the want
Question 32 Explanation: 
The singular subject “child” needs a singular verb. The simplest version is the word “wants.”
Question 33
Select the best words for the blanks in the following sentence.

It’s important _____ research your essay topic thoroughly so you do not include _____ much irrelevant information.

A
too, to
B
to, two
C
to, too
D
too, two
Question 33 Explanation: 
In front of an infinitive verb (such as “research”) we need the article “to.” The phrase “too much” is correctly completed in this option as well.
Question 34
Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.

The actors’ performances powerfully _____ the audience.

A
effected
B
affected
C
were effecting
D
were affecting
Question 34 Explanation: 
"Effected" means executed, produced, or brought about. "Affected" means made an impact on. The correct answer is the past tense of the verb form of affect, which means to impact.
Question 35
In the following sentence, what is the indirect object?

The mountain climber tossed the Sherpa the rope.

A
The mountain climber
B
tossed
C
the Sherpa
D
the rope
Question 35 Explanation: 
The indirect object is the recipient of the direct object. The direct object receives the action of the verb. Here, the verb is “tossed.” What is being tossed? The rope. So, “the rope” is the direct object. Who is the recipient of the rope? The Sherpa. This is the indirect object.
Question 36
Which of the following sentences has correct subject-verb agreement?

A
The ambulance, which had flashing red lights on top, were letting other vehicles on the road know to pull over.
B
Either kale or spinach is a healthy vegetable to eat with dinner.
C
One of the soccer players kick the ball farther than his other teammates.
D
Several of the pieces of art was sold for above-average prices.
Question 36 Explanation: 
This answer has proper subject-verb agreement. In the other choices, the singular “ambulance” disagrees with the plural “were,” the plural "kick” does not agree with the singular “one," and the plural “several” does not agree with the singular “was.”
Question 37
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
The professor sought advise from a colleague.
B
To advice the President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff must be well-informed.
C
A good advicer is essential in order to have a successful academic career.
D
My parents give me excellent advice when I am making a difficult decision.
Question 37 Explanation: 
Advice is a noun meaning "an opinion given with the intention of helping." Advise is a verb meaning "to give counsel or advice."
Question 38
Which of the following sentences is imperative?

A
She couldn’t do the job her boss told her to do.
B
Is Gretchen sick with a cold?
C
I couldn’t believe it.
D
Put on gloves before touching a patient.
Question 38 Explanation: 
An imperative sentence is a command or a request, and often has an implied second person subject. The only sentence that is a command is the one that begins with the instruction "put on gloves."
Question 39
Which word in the following sentence is the subject?

It was the cat that tore up the carpet, not the dog.

A
it
B
cat
C
dog
D
carpet
Question 39 Explanation: 
The subject of the sentence is the person or thing performing the action of the sentence. In this case, the cat is being described as the one that tore up the carpet. The pronoun "it" is standing in place for "cat," so "cat" is the actual subject.
Question 40
Select the word that makes this sentence grammatically correct.

The group knew it was ___ responsibility to turn in the assignment on time, but they still didn’t do it.

A
their
B
there
C
they're
D
the
Question 40 Explanation: 
"Their" is an adjective, so it modifies a noun. In this sentence, it was "their" responsibility. "There" relates to a place or location. "They're" is a contraction of "they are". "The" is an article and would not make sense here.
Question 41
Which word in the following sentence is an objective case pronoun?

She wasn’t sure how to tell them that their beloved pet ran away.

A
she
B
them
C
their
D
pet
Question 41 Explanation: 
An objective case pronoun is a pronoun that is functioning as the object of the sentence. "Them" is an object in this sentence. "She" is the subject. "Their" is an adjective that describes "beloved pet." "Pet" is a noun, not a pronoun.
Question 42
Select the correct word for the blank in the following sentence.

The doctor ______ the young patient that the vaccine would only take a second and wouldn’t hurt too much.

A
ensured
B
insured
C
assured
D
pressured
Question 42 Explanation: 
To assure someone is to inform them positively. To ensure something is to guarantee it. To insure something is to provide insurance for it. To pressure someone is to apply physical, mental, or emotional pressure to them.
Question 43
Select the correct words for the blanks in the following sentence.

Wanda's son swears that ____ happy in his current job, despite all of ____ demands.

A
hes; its
B
hes; it's
C
he's; its
D
he's; it's
Question 43 Explanation: 
"Hes" is not a word. "He's" requires an apostrophe because it is a contraction of "he is." In this sentence, "it is" would not make sense, and therefore we do not need the contraction "it's." The correct words are "he's" and "its."
Question 44
Select the word not used correctly in the following sentence.

Je'sean sat among his two friends at his school's charity event.

A
sat
B
among
C
school's
D
charity
Question 44 Explanation: 
"Among" should not be used when referring to two people or objects. "Between" is the proper term when locating something or someone relative to two other things.
Question 45
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
Robert was badly at playing the trumpet.
B
It was well to see my cousins this weekend.
C
The event was coordinated bad.
D
I felt good about how I performed on that test.
Question 45 Explanation: 
"Bad" is an adjective that modifies nouns and pronouns, while "badly" is an adverb that modifies verbs. "Badly" is being used to describe "Robert" and "bad" is being used to modify "coordinated," both of which are incorrect. Similarly, "good" modifies a noun or pronoun and "well" modifies a verb. Since "it," a pronoun, is being modified by "well," the sentence is incorrect. The only correct sentence shows "good" modifying the pronoun "I."
Question 46
Which of the following sentences is declarative?

A
Send the doctor to room three.
B
I tested positive for strep throat.
C
Has the nurse assistant checked the patient's vitals?
D
Trust me.
Question 46 Explanation: 
A declarative sentence is just a statement, not a command or question. The sentence ending with a question mark is an interrogative sentence. The other two incorrect answers are imperative sentences.
Question 47
Select the correct word for the blank in the following sentence.

Although Remi knew her mom was contagious, she still went to the hospital to see her ____ the window.

A
threw
B
through
C
though
D
with
Question 47 Explanation: 
"Through" is a preposition that here indicates Remi is seeing her mother "by way of" the window. "Threw" is the past tense verb of "throw."
Question 48
Select the correct word or phrase for the blank in the following sentence.

Georges was a great friend to ____, so he shared his freshly baked goods with us.

A
Emerson and I
B
me and Emerson
C
we
D
them
Question 48 Explanation: 
"Emerson and I" would only be used as the subject of the sentence. Since the subject (the person performing the action) is Georges, "me and Emerson" must be used. "Them" does not make sense in the context of the sentence since it later says "us," and "we" is ungrammatical.
Question 49
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

A
My mom and my brother has not seen the new superhero movie that everyone is raving about.
B
Rachel, though it has been a month without contact from her friends, haven't felt lonely in the isolated cabin.
C
My grandparents said the key to happiness is to be content with what I got.
D
All of my socks have holes in the bottoms.
Question 49 Explanation: 
Subject-verb agreement dictates which form of a verb you should use. Plural subjects (my mom and my brother, all of my socks) use the word "have" while singular subjects (Rachel) use the word "has." However, the first person pronoun "I" also uses "have." The phrase "I got" is ungrammatical and should be written as "I have."
Question 50
Which word in the following sentence is used incorrectly?

The last hour of his shift was so exhausting, Frank cancels his plans for that night.

A
his
B
exhausting
C
cancels
D
that
Question 50 Explanation: 
The verb "was" is in past tense. The whole sentence must be in the past tense, and "cancels" is a present tense verb that needs to be written as "cancelled."
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