Say It Differently

This worksheet is designed for students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 to strengthen paraphrasing skills and expressive language through the use of common idioms and figurative expressions. Students read plain, literal sentences and rewrite each one using an expression that conveys the same meaning in a more colorful, natural-sounding way. By transforming straightforward statements into figurative language, learners build vocabulary flexibility and writing fluency.

Skills Reinforced

• Paraphrasing & Rewriting (Grades 4-6) – Restate ideas accurately using different language forms.
• Figurative Language Application – Match idioms and expressions to their correct meanings.
• Writing Fluency – Practice revising sentences to sound smoother and more natural.
• Vocabulary Use & Expansion – Strengthen command of common expressions used in everyday communication.

Instructional Support

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support writing and figurative language instruction.
• Meaning-Preservation Focus – Emphasizes keeping the original idea while changing wording.
• Creative but Structured Practice – Encourages expressive language within clear boundaries.
• Supports Real-World Communication – Helps students understand how figurative expressions are used naturally.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for writing workshops, literacy centers, independent practice, homework, or enrichment.
• No-Prep Format – Print-and-go worksheet for classroom or homeschool settings.

This printable worksheet helps students move beyond literal language and experiment confidently with figurative expressions. By rewriting sentences to “say it differently,” learners strengthen paraphrasing ability, vocabulary depth, and expressive writing skills. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool environment, this resource supports clearer, more engaging communication and a stronger grasp of how figurative language works in everyday English.

This worksheet is part of our Common Expressions Worksheets collection.