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Grade 4 · Grammar · Verbs

4th Grade Progressive Verb Tenses worksheets

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Progressive Verb Tenses

Grade 4 Grammar Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the verb that completes each sentence.

  1. Which verb completes the sentence? “Shh! The baby ___ in the next room.”

    • is sleeping
    • slept
    • was sleeping
    • will sleep
  2. Which verb completes the sentence? “Look! A hawk ___ over the field.”

    • will circle
    • circled
    • was circling
    • is circling
  3. Which verb completes the sentence? “When the storm started, the players ___ soccer.”

    • will be playing
    • was playing
    • were playing
    • are playing
  4. Which verb completes the sentence? “When you arrive tomorrow, I ___ the dishes.”

    • were washing
    • was washing
    • washed
    • will be washing
  5. Which verb completes the sentence? “While Dad cooked dinner, the kids ___ the table.”

    • were setting
    • are setting
    • will be setting
    • was setting
  6. Which verb completes the sentence? “At 8:00 last night, Grandpa ___ the stars with his telescope.”

    • was watching
    • is watching
    • were watching
    • will be watching
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4th Grade Progressive Verb Tenses worksheet 1 – printable PDF
Download PDF: 123456

About this worksheet

Progressive verb tenses show an action that is, was, or will be continuing matters in fourth grade because students are writing longer paragraphs and need sentence choices that guide a reader without confusion. Fourth graders often notice the -ing verb but forget that it needs a helping verb such as is, are, was, were, or will be. This worksheet keeps the work inside meaningful sentences rather than isolated labels. Students identify present, past, and future progressive forms, choose the correct helping verb, and revise incomplete progressive sentences.

The items rotate across identifying the feature, choosing the correct revision, explaining how the word or mark works, and rejecting common distractors. Support versions use familiar school contexts and short sentences. Standard and challenge versions add closer choices, more varied wording, and sentences where one nearby word can tempt a careless answer. Ask your child to read the whole sentence aloud before choosing. Then have them name the rule that made the answer work, because grammar becomes useful when it improves real writing.

What your child will learn

  • Use present progressive verbs
  • Use past progressive verbs
  • Use future progressive verbs
  • Include the correct helping verb with an -ing verb

Common Core standard: L.4.1.B

Worked example

'Tessa is measuring the twig now' is present progressive because the action is continuing now.

Common mistake

Writing only the -ing word, such as measuring, without the helping verb.

Helpful hint

A progressive verb needs a helping verb plus an -ing verb.

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with progressive verb tenses?

Writing only the -ing word, such as measuring, without the helping verb.

How can I help my child with progressive verb tenses?

A progressive verb needs a helping verb plus an -ing verb.

Are these 4th grade grammar worksheets free to print?

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

Similar: Perfect Verb Tenses · Action and Linking Verbs

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