Grade 3 · Grammar · Parts of speech

3rd Grade Action, Linking and Helping Verbs worksheets

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Action, Linking and Helping Verbs

Grade 3 Grammar Worksheet

NameDate

Write action, linking, or helping.

The fish SWIMS in the pond. Kind of verb:
The dog RAN home. Kind of verb:
We PAINTED the fence. Kind of verb:
The room FELT warm. Kind of verb:
You LOOK ready. Kind of verb:
I CAN swim well. Kind of verb:
My brother IS a doctor. Kind of verb:
We FELT the soft fur. Kind of verb:
He GREW tomatoes in his garden. Kind of verb:
They WERE playing outside. Kind of verb:
We MUST leave soon. Kind of verb:
Dad LOOKED at the map. Kind of verb:

3rd Grade Action, Linking and Helping Verbs worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Verbs do three jobs. An action verb tells what someone or something does: run, kick, sing. A linking verb connects the subject to a word that tells about it, as in Mia is happy; the verb does not show any action. A helping verb comes before another verb and helps it, as in Mia is running or We will join. On this worksheet your child reads twelve sentences, each with one verb in capital letters, and writes action, linking or helping; the three words are in the instruction.

Building Confidence uses clear action and linking verbs and the most common helping verbs; On Level uses all three evenly; Challenge Me adds tricky cases such as tasted and smelled, which can be action verbs, and helping verbs such as could and must. Ask your child whether the verb shows something being done.

What your child will learn

Say what an action verb does
Spot a linking verb that joins the subject to a describing word
Spot a helping verb before the main verb

Common Core standard: L.3.1.A

Worked example

In 'Mia is happy', is connects Mia to happy, so it is a linking verb. In 'Mia is running', is helps the main verb running, so it is a helping verb.

Common mistake

Calling every form of be a linking verb: in 'is running', is is a helping verb because a main verb follows it.

Helpful hint

Ask: does it show an action, join the subject to a describing word, or help another verb?

Next skill: Past, Present, and Future Verbs

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with action, linking and helping verbs?

Calling every form of be a linking verb: in 'is running', is is a helping verb because a main verb follows it.

How can I help my child with action, linking and helping verbs?

Ask: does it show an action, join the subject to a describing word, or help another verb?

Are these 3rd grade grammar worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade parts of speech

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