Third graders are ready to move beyond simply writing complete sentences and start classifying them by purpose. In Grade 3, students learn the four sentence types: declarative (statements), interrogative (questions), imperative (commands), and exclamatory (strong feelings). Recognizing these types helps third graders punctuate correctly, read with appropriate expression, and write with variety and intention.
Two common stumbling blocks at this stage are confusing imperatives with declaratives because both can end in periods, and overusing exclamation points whenever a sentence feels exciting.
These types of sentences worksheets give students structured practice fixing end marks, classifying examples, and explaining their thinking. In second grade, students focused on capitalization and basic end punctuation, and in fourth grade they will begin combining sentence types to build compound and complex sentences. Mastering sentence types now sets the foundation for stronger paragraph writing, clearer questions in research projects, and more expressive storytelling throughout the rest of elementary school.
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Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
Types of Sentences
What's Included in This Download
What You'll Learn
These types of sentences worksheets help grade 3 students develop essential english skills through engaging activities.
How to Use These Worksheets
- Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
- Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
- Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
- Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
- Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
- Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Adding an exclamation point to any sentence that feels exciting, even when it is really a statement that should end with a period.
- Confusing imperative sentences with declarative sentences because both can end in a period — third graders forget that imperatives give a command rather than share information.
- Ending a question with a period instead of a question mark, especially when the question begins with a word like 'do,' 'can,' or 'is.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four types of sentences third graders need to know?
Third graders learn declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences. Declarative sentences make statements and end with periods. Interrogative sentences ask questions and end with question marks. Imperative sentences give commands and usually end with periods, while exclamatory sentences show strong feeling and end with exclamation points.
How can my child tell the difference between a declarative and an imperative sentence?
A declarative sentence shares information, like 'The dog is brown.' An imperative sentence tells someone to do something, like 'Walk the dog.' Both can end in periods, so the trick is to ask whether the sentence is giving a command or stating a fact. If you can imagine a parent or teacher saying it as an instruction, it is imperative.
When should a sentence end with an exclamation point?
Exclamation points belong on exclamatory sentences that show strong feeling, surprise, or excitement, such as 'That was amazing!' Third graders often overuse them, so encourage your child to save exclamation points for moments of real emotion. Statements about everyday facts should end with a period instead.
Why do third graders need to learn sentence types if they already write full sentences?
Learning sentence types helps third graders punctuate correctly, vary their writing, and read aloud with the right tone. It also prepares them for fourth grade, where they begin combining sentences into compound and complex structures. Strong sentence variety makes writing more interesting and helps readers stay engaged.
What is the easiest way to remember the four sentence types?
Try the phrase 'Tell, Ask, Command, Exclaim.' Declarative sentences tell, interrogative sentences ask, imperative sentences command, and exclamatory sentences exclaim. Matching each type to its end mark — period, question mark, period, exclamation point — gives third graders a quick memory trick they can use while writing or editing.
Are these worksheets really free?
Yes! All our worksheets are 100% free to download and print. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no registration required.
Can I use these in my classroom?
Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.