Helper and Main Verbs

This worksheet helps students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 build a clear understanding of verb phrases by identifying both helping verbs and main verbs within sentences. Through grammar analysis, close reading, verb recognition, and sentence structure practice, learners highlight auxiliary verbs and circle main verbs while working with engaging themes such as sports, home life, and adventure stories.

Instructional Objectives

• Verb Phrase Analysis (Grades 3-5) – Students identify and distinguish between helping verbs and main verbs in complete sentences.
• Grammar: Helping vs. Main Verbs – Learners understand how auxiliary verbs support main verbs to show tense and aspect.
• Conventions of Standard English – The activity reinforces accurate recognition of multi-word verb structures.
• Structural Reading Skills – Students read carefully with attention to grammatical detail and sentence construction.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed to align with elementary ELA grammar standards and classroom instruction.
• Visual Identification Format – Highlighting and circling make abstract grammar concepts concrete and accessible.
• Engaging Themed Sections – Sports, home, and adventure contexts keep students motivated and focused.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for grammar centers, independent practice, homework, or formative assessment.

This helper and main verbs worksheet supports grammar fluency, verb phrase understanding, and reading accuracy. By clearly separating auxiliary verbs from main verbs, students develop a stronger foundation for understanding tense, voice, and sentence structure. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool language arts setting, this printable provides focused, no-prep practice that prepares learners for more advanced grammar concepts.

This worksheet is part of our helping (auxiliary) verbs worksheets collection.