Then, While, Before, After Worksheet for 8-Year-Olds (Grade 3) — 40 Questions: Matching, MCQ & Fill-in-Blanks

Instructions

Read the instructions for each part carefully. Think about when actions happen to choose the correct word: 'then', 'while', 'before', or 'after'.

Part 1: Matching

Draw a line to match the beginning of the sentence in Column A to the correct ending in Column B.

Part 2: Multiple Choice

Read each sentence and choose the best word to fill in the blank. Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Let's finish the game, ______ we can have a snack.

   a. while     b. then     c. before

2. My mom told me to clean my room ______ I could go to the park.

   a. before     b. while     c. then

3. I saw a big bird ______ I was walking home.

   a. then     b. after     c. while

4. We went to the library ______ school was finished.

   a. after     b. while     c. then

5. He put on his coat, ______ he grabbed his hat.

   a. before     b. then     c. while

6. Please don't talk ______ the teacher is speaking.

   a. after     b. while     c. then

7. We always wash the dishes ______ we eat dinner.

   a. while     b. then     c. after

8. I need to find my keys ______ I can leave the house.

   a. after     b. then     c. before

9. The dog started barking right ______ the mailman rang the bell.

   a. before     b. after     c. while

10. First, mix the flour and sugar, ______ add the eggs.

    a. while     b. then     c. after

Part 3: Circle the Correct Word

Read each sentence and circle the word that makes the most sense.

1. I like to read a story ( before / while ) I go to sleep.

2. My brother fell asleep ( while / then ) watching the movie.

3. We will eat cake ( after / before ) we sing "Happy Birthday."

4. Put on your helmet ( while / before ) you ride your bike.

5. He finished his homework, ( then / after ) he watched TV.

6. You can hear the birds singing ( while / then ) you sit in the garden.

7. We went for a swim right ( after / before ) lunch.

8. I will call you back ( after / while ) I finish my chores.

9. First, we bought the tickets, ( then / before ) we found our seats.

10. Remember to turn off the lights ( before / after ) you leave the room.

Part 4: Fill in the Blanks

Use a word from the word bank to complete each sentence. You can use each word more than once.

1. Take off your muddy shoes                        you come inside.

2. I like to sing                        I take a shower.

3. We played board games, and                        we watched a movie.

4. The baby birds flew away                        they learned how to fly.

5. I have to do my spelling homework                        I can play video games.

6. We built a sandcastle, and                        the waves washed it away.

7. Can you please be quiet                        I am on the phone?

8. We always have a family hug                        Dad leaves for work.

9. She felt much better                        she took a nap.

10. Put the milk back in the fridge                        you use it.

Answer Key

Part 1: Matching

1. 1 matches e (then I brush my teeth.)
2. 2 matches h (while I do my homework.)
3. 3 matches c (before you eat your snack.)
4. 4 matches b (then we went home.)
5. 5 matches j (before you cross the street.)
6. 6 matches g (after we finish our homework.)
7. 7 matches a (while waiting for the bus.)
8. 8 matches f (before you put on your shoes.)
9. 9 matches d (after the rain stopped.)
10. 10 matches i (then we had dessert.)

Part 2: Multiple Choice

1. b. then
2. a. before
3. c. while
4. a. after
5. b. then
6. b. while
7. c. after
8. c. before
9. b. after
10. b. then

Part 3: Circle the Correct Word

1. before
2. while
3. after
4. before
5. then
6. while
7. after
8. after
9. then
10. before

Part 4: Fill in the Blanks

1. before
2. while
3. then
4. after
5. before
6. then
7. while
8. before
9. after
10. after