Helping Verbs Worksheet

Lesson Overview

About this worksheet

Helping verbs are the small but mighty words students need to read fluently and write with control over tense. This worksheet introduces the most common helpers and asks students to use them in two ways: first to complete a verb phrase, then to spot one inside a sentence.

Section A gives 12 short prompts in subject-blank-verb form (e.g., ‘I ____ walking’). Students write a helping verb that makes the phrase work. Several items have more than one correct answer, and the key lists one accepted choice along with a note that any tense-agreeing helper is correct.

Section B presents 8 complete sentences. Each contains exactly one helping verb sitting in front of a main action verb. Students write that helping verb on the line. Page 2 is a complete answer key in a compact two-column grid.

How to Use This Lesson

Read the reference box aloud and read the helper-verb list together as a class chant.

Work item 1 in Section A together so students see how the helper pairs with the action verb.

Have students finish Section A independently, then move to Section B.

Use the answer key on page 2 for self-check; remind students that several Section A items have more than one correct answer.

Pair with the Action Verbs Worksheet to compare verb types.

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