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Classroom · Grammar · 4th grade
Progressive verb tenses worksheets
A free five-page pack: learn the rule with pictures, then sort words, find them in sentences and use them in writing, with an answer key.
Watch it solved
50 sec · with voice and captionsA pencil works one example of each activity, so you can see how the worksheet goes before you print it. Tap a step to jump to it. The rest of the sheet is left for your child to finish.
Read what the video says
- 0:00 Let's practice progressive verb tenses, step by step.
- 0:04 A progressive verb shows an action that keeps going. It uses am, is, are, was, were or will be, plus a verb that ends in -ing. For example: I was reading. I am reading. I will be reading.
- 0:18 Look and say: was baking, were swimming, am reading.
- 0:22 Read each word, and write it in the right box. Will be talking goes in the future box.
- 0:30 Read each sentence. Circle the progressive verb (both words, or all three). We were walking to school.
- 0:38 Write the verb in ( ) as a progressive verb. Now I am running.
- 0:43 Great job! Now print the free worksheet, and finish the rest on your own.
The rule
The ruleA progressive verb shows an action that keeps going. It uses am, is, are, was, were or will be, plus a verb that ends in -ing.
I was reading. I am reading. I will be reading.
Look and say
- was bakingMom was baking.
- were swimmingWe were swimming.
- am readingI am reading.
- is rainingIt is raining.
- are playingThey are playing.
- is growingThe plant is growing.
- will be flyingWe will be flying.
- will be sleepingI will be sleeping.
Try some
We were walking to school.We were walking to school.Show answer
The baby is sleeping now.The baby is sleeping now.Show answer
I will be visiting Grandma.I will be visiting Grandma.Show answer
The dogs were barking loudly.The dogs were barking loudly.Show answer
She is painting a picture.She is painting a picture.Show answer
They will be playing soccer.They will be playing soccer.Show answer
I am writing a story.I am writing a story.Show answer
It was snowing all night.It was snowing all night.Show answer
Find the words in each sentence, then tap to check.
What the worksheets look like
Common questions
What are progressive verb tenses?
A progressive verb shows an action that keeps going. It uses am, is, are, was, were or will be, plus a verb that ends in -ing.
How do I teach progressive verb tenses?
Draw a timeline on the board: yesterday, now, tomorrow. Act out an action, such as walking in place, and have children describe it at each point: I was walking, I am walking, I will be walking.
What mistake should I watch for?
Leaving out the helping verb, as in "I walking." A progressive verb always has two parts: a helping verb (am, is, are, was, were, will be) and an -ing verb.
What grade learns progressive verb tenses?
Usually 4th grade. In the Common Core it is part of L.4.1b.
