Identifying Verbs Worksheet

Identifying verbs is one of the first grammar skills first graders master, and this identifying verbs worksheet gives them focused practice doing exactly that. A verb is an action word: it tells what someone or something does. Once children can spot the action word in a sentence, they begin to see how sentences are built, and reading and writing both get easier. This printable gives students clear, friendly practice finding verbs in short sentences and naming the action in a picture.

This 1st grade verbs worksheet is split into two short parts so it never feels overwhelming. In Part A, students read five simple sentences and circle the verb in each one. The action word moves around from sentence to sentence, so children have to read carefully instead of guessing by position. In Part B, students look at four illustrations of children running, digging, riding, and painting, then choose the matching action word from a word box and write it on the line. One extra word in the box is a distractor, so students must think about what each picture really shows.

What’s Included

• 1 print-ready PDF worksheet
• Answer key
• 5 circle-the-verb sentences
• 4 picture-and-word-box writing items

This identifying verbs worksheet helps children in three ways. First, it builds grammar vocabulary: students learn that verbs name actions and start using that language when they talk about their own writing. Second, it strengthens reading comprehension, because finding the action in a sentence is the same thinking students use to work out what is happening in a story. Third, the picture section links words to real actions, which helps visual learners and English language learners connect meaning to print. The included answer key makes checking quick, so students get feedback while the lesson is still fresh.

Teachers and parents can stretch this lesson well past the page. Play a quick game of verb charades: act out an action and let children name the verb. Take a walk and have students call out every action they see, then write the best ones on a class chart. During shared reading, pause and ask children to point to the action word in a sentence. Ask students to write one sentence about their day and underline their own verb. Small, playful repetitions like these help the skill stick long after the worksheet is finished.

Related Resources

• Verbs Fill in the Blank Worksheet
• Conjugating Verbs Worksheet
• Using Irregular Verbs Worksheet
• Verb Rap Song (Have Fun Teaching video)