ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7English and Language UsageHard
A nursing instructor is grading student essays. One student wrote, 'The patient expressed severe pain; however, they refused medication.' Which of the following best describes the function of the word 'however' in this sentence?
- AIt presents a contrasting idea.
- BIt indicates a similarity.
- CIt signals a sequential event.
- DIt introduces a consequence.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. It presents a contrasting idea.
'However' is a conjunctive adverb used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously. In this sentence, the refusal of medication contrasts with the expression of severe pain.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Words like 'similarly' or 'likewise' indicate similarities.
- C. Words like 'then' or 'subsequently' signal sequential events.
- D. Words like 'therefore' or 'consequently' introduce consequences.
Conjunctive Adverb (Contrast)
A type of conjunctive adverb that connects two independent clauses and signals a contrast or opposition between them.
- Common examples: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast.
- Typically preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
- Used to show that the second clause presents information that is different from or unexpected given the first clause.
Memory trick: Conjunctions Link Ideas, Contrasting Too