Understanding Prepositions: A Crucial Skill for Nursing Entrance Exams

In the sentence "She walked around the hospital grounds looking for her father," which words function as prepositions?

• A. around/under
• B. for/around
• C. hospital/grounds
• D. looking/walking

Answer: (B)

The correct answer identifies "for" and "around" as prepositions in the sentence. In the context of this sentence, prepositions are words that establish a relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other elements within the sentence, typically indicating direction, location, or time. The word "around" suggests the location or area where the action of walking is taking place, indicating that she is moving in the vicinity of the hospital grounds. Similarly, "for" expresses the purpose of her search, indicating that she is looking in order to find her father. Both of these words are integral to conveying the overall meaning of the sentence, as they help clarify the actions and intentions of the subject. Words like "hospital" and "grounds" serve different functions in the sentence; they are nouns, specifically referring to places, without performing the relational function characteristic of prepositions. Additionally, "looking" and "walking" are verbs that denote action, rather than establishing relationships like prepositions do. Understanding the roles of different parts of speech in a sentence is essential for grasping its overall meaning.

When it comes to preparing for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam, understanding the complex world of grammar plays a significant role, especially prepositions. Now, you might wonder, “What’s the big deal about these tiny little words?” Well, let’s break it down.

In the sentence “She walked around the hospital grounds looking for her father,” the words we’re focusing on—“for” and “around”—are the unsung heroes known as prepositions. These little words might seem inconspicuous, but they do a heavy lifting job when it comes to conveying meaning. You know what I mean? They help connect the subject to the rest of the sentence, establishing crucial relationships.Diving deeper, let’s talk about what prepositions actually do. They typically indicate direction, location, or even time. In our example, “around” tells us where the action is happening (the area surrounding the hospital), while “for” gives us insight into her purpose—you guessed it, she’s searching for her father. Without these prepositions, we'd end up with a rather vague situation and a whole lot of confusion.

Imagine walking through a maze and trying to find your way with no signs or directions. That’s what sentences without prepositions feel like—lost. On the flip side, understanding where and how to use them not only elevates your writing but also sharpens your reading comprehension, which is crucial for any nursing student facing tests like the Kaplan exam.

Now, let’s clarify something here. The words “hospital” and “grounds” do play a stake in the sentence, serving as nouns that provide context around the location. But they lack the relational function of prepositions. And those action words, “looking” and “walking”? They’re good at showing what’s happening but don’t provide the connections that prepositions do.

Recognizing the different roles of parts of speech is a vital skill throughout your nursing studies—and beyond. It can make a significant difference in your understanding of complex texts, as well as your ability to communicate effectively. This is something you’ll carry forward into your nursing career, where clarity and precision are paramount.

So, as you gear up for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam, don’t overlook those seemingly simple prepositions. They are foundational in the tapestry of English grammar and can significantly impact your performance on the exam. Remember, mastering the little things can lead to big results. And that’s what you ultimately want as you step into your future in nursing—a solid foundation that allows you to connect with others and serve your patients effectively.