Nursing Entrance Exam

Nursing Preparation Study Guide

Chapter 2: English and Language Usage This section will cover: • Language Usage o Spelling o Punctuation and Grammar o Formal and Informal Language • Writing o Sentence Structure o Well-Organized Paragraphs o Elements of the Writing Process 2.1 Language Usage 2.1.1 Spelling Here is a brief review of common usage mistakes of the English language. • May and might o

‘May’ can act as a principal verb, which can express permission or possibility.  Examples: Let’s wait, the meeting may have started. -- May I begin now? o ‘May’ can act as an auxiliary verb, which expresses a purpose or wish  Examples: May you find kindness in the sight of your employer. -- May your wishes come true. -- People go to school so that they may be educated. o ‘Might’ is the past tense of may.  Example: I asked if I might begin o ‘Might’ signifies a weak or slim possibility or polite suggestion.  Examples: You might find him in his office, but I doubt it. -- You might offer to help if you want to. • Lie and lay o The verb lay should always take an object. The three forms of the verb lay are: laid, lay and laid.  Examples: Lay on the bed. -- The tables were laid by the students. -- Let the little kid lie. -- The patient lay on the table. o The verb lie (recline) should not take any object. The three forms of the verb lie are: lay, lie and lain.  Example: The dog has lain there for 30 minutes. o Note: The verb lie can also mean “to tell a falsehood”. This verb can appear in three forms: lied, lie, and lied. This is different from the verb lie (recline) mentioned above.  Examples: The accused is fond of telling lies. -- Did she lie?

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