Grade 4 English Resources Printable Worksheets Topic: Sentence Openers

“Sentence Openers” Printable Worksheets

These Grade 4 English resources and worksheets have answers also given in the downloadable links below.

Sentence Openers

A sentence opener is the first phrase or word that is used in a sentence. There are many different ways to begin a sentence, but most people start with common words like I, he, she, we, they, or a name. While this is an appropriate way to start a sentence, good sentence writing shows variety. Learning to use more interesting sentence openers helps the reader stay involved in the writing. This will also improve writing by offering variety.

There are several ways to open sentences beyond what most people use. Remember the acronym AD Spice to help you ‘add spice’ to your writing.

Adverb Dialogue

Simile Preposition Ing Connective Ed

Adverb: This adds detail by offering an addition to the main verb

Sample: Silently, she crept into the room.

Dialogue: This adds conversation to a sentence

Sample: “Mom will be so mad!” thought Sarah as she looked at the broken vase.

Simile: This adds description to writing through comparison

Sample: Like the calm before the storm, the tension could be felt in the air.

Preposition: A prepositional phrase can help show relation to something else

Sample: At the corner of the house, sat the lonely kitten.

Ing: Adding an –ing word or clause can show action

Sample: Yelling, a woman ran out of her house.

Connective: Use of connective adverbs or subordinating conjunctions can connect thoughts in a sentence

Sample: Although I do not believe you are telling the truth, I will trust you to do the right thing. Or I should be angry; however, you did not mean to break the vase.

Ed Clause: Use –ed clauses to modify the noun

Sample: Injured by the loose dog, the boy was taken to a doctor.