2nd grade types of sentences worksheets
The four sentence types each have a job and usually a matching end mark: statements tell, questions ask, commands direct, exclamations burst. Second graders name the type from the sentence's job, not just its punctuation.
Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core L.1.1.j.
A new sheet every click.
The kind of sentences you'll get
Circle the letter that names the kind of sentence.
-
“Please speak softly in the library.” Kind of sentence: .
statement · question · command
Answer: command
- “What time is recess?” Kind of sentence: . command · statement · question
- “Have you ever tried playing the cello?” Kind of sentence: . question · statement · command
Every print pulls a fresh set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.
What's on each sheet
- Choose the word. Circle the letter that names the kind of sentence. 8 questions per page.
Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.
How to teach this
Teach the job first, the punctuation second. Ask "what is this sentence doing: telling, asking, ordering, or bursting?" before looking at the end mark. The order matters because commands take periods, which breaks any punctuation-only shortcut a student might build.
Watch for: Commands often hide their subject: 'Sit down' means you sit down, even though the word you never appears. The end mark is a clue, not proof: 'What a great day!' starts like a question but is an exclamation.
Common questions about types of sentences
- What end mark does a command take?
- Usually a period, which surprises kids: "Please line up." is an order with a calm mark. A shouted command can earn an exclamation point, but the type comes from the job, ordering, not the mark. That's why we teach job first, punctuation second.
- How is this different from the end punctuation worksheet?
- End punctuation asks students to finish a sentence with the right mark. This skill asks them to name what the whole sentence is doing. They're partners: one trains the hand, the other trains the ear, and together they cover the grade-1-2 sentence standards.
Related worksheets
Ready to print one?
Need a fresh set of questions? Download another copy.
Aligned to Common Core L.1.1.j. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 137, updated August 2026.
Spot a mistake on this sheet? Tell us. · About these worksheets