Action Verbs — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Read each verb. Sort it into the correct group: present tense or past tense.
Present Tense (Now)
runsplayseats Past Tense (Already Happened)
jumpedwalkeddanced Present tense verbs tell what is happening now (runs, plays, eats). Past tense verbs often end in -ed and tell what already happened (jumped, walked, danced).
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Adding -ed to a verb usually makes it past tense.
The -ed ending is a common way to form the past tense of a verb.
2. The word "jumped" means the jumping already happened.
The -ed ending on jumped tells us the action is already finished.
3. The verb "plays" tells about something happening right now.
Plays is a present tense verb, meaning the action is happening at this time.
4. To change "walk" to past tense, add -ed to the end.
Adding -ed to walk gives us walked, which is the past tense form.
5. A present tense verb tells what is happening today.
Present tense verbs describe actions that are happening now or today.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The word "walked" is in the past tense.
True False
Walked ends in -ed, which shows the action already happened.
2. Adding -ed makes a verb present tense.
True False
Adding -ed makes a verb past tense, not present tense.
3. The word "eats" is a present tense verb.
True False
Eats tells about an action happening now, so it is present tense.
4. The word "danced" tells about something happening right now.
True False
Danced ends in -ed, which means it happened in the past, not right now.