ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7English and Language UsageEasy

A nursing student is preparing a presentation on patient education. They write, 'The patient should recieve detailed instructions regarding their medication.' Which word in the sentence is misspelled?

  1. Aregarding
  2. Bmedication
  3. Crecieve
  4. Ddetailed
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. recieve

The word 'recieve' is a common misspelling of 'receive.' According to the 'i before e, except after c' rule, it should be spelled with 'ei' after 'c'.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 'Regarding' is spelled correctly.
  • B. 'Medication' is spelled correctly.
  • D. 'Detailed' is spelled correctly.

'i before e' rule

A common English spelling guideline: 'i' usually comes before 'e,' except when it follows 'c,' or when sounded as 'ay' as in 'neighbor' or 'weigh.'

  • Applies to many English words.
  • Has exceptions, especially with 'c' or 'ay' sound.
  • Helps remember spellings like 'receive,' 'believe,' 'achieve.'

Memory trick: Rules help us write, but exceptions often surprise.

More English and Language Usage questions