Grade 3 is when subject-verb agreement becomes a serious focus, and these subject-verb agreement worksheets give third graders the targeted practice they need to write clear, correct sentences. Subject-verb agreement means the verb in a sentence must match its subject in number: singular subjects take singular verbs (the dog runs), and plural subjects take plural verbs (the dogs run).
This skill matters at the third grade level because students are now writing longer paragraphs, narratives, and reports, and small agreement errors can confuse readers. Two common stumbling blocks trip up third graders: forgetting to add the -s to verbs with singular subjects like he, she, or it, and getting confused when a prepositional phrase sits between the subject and verb (the flowers in the garden are colorful, not is). In second grade, students focused on simple present-tense verbs, and in fourth grade they will tackle tricky cases like collective nouns and indefinite pronouns.
These worksheets bridge that gap with focused, grade-appropriate practice.
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Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
What's Included in This Download
What You'll Learn
These subject-verb agreement worksheets help grade 3 students develop essential english skills through engaging activities.
How to Use These Worksheets
- Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
- Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
- Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
- Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
- Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
- Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Forgetting to add -s or -es to the verb when the subject is he, she, it, or a singular noun (writing 'My sister run fast' instead of 'My sister runs fast').
- Getting confused by words between the subject and verb, especially prepositional phrases, and matching the verb to the nearest noun instead of the true subject (writing 'The flowers in the garden is pretty').
- Mixing up was and were with plural subjects, often saying 'they was' or 'the kids was' instead of using were with plural subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subject-verb agreement in simple terms for a third grader?
Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb in a sentence have to match. If the subject is one thing (singular), the verb usually ends in -s, like 'The cat jumps.' If the subject is more than one (plural), the verb does not have an -s, like 'The cats jump.' The two parts have to agree on how many.
Why do singular verbs end in -s when singular nouns do not?
It seems backward, but in English, present-tense verbs add -s only when the subject is he, she, it, or one thing. So we say 'dogs bark' (plural subject, no -s on verb) but 'a dog barks' (singular subject, -s on verb). Third graders just need to remember: one subject usually means an -s on the verb.
How do I handle sentences with words between the subject and verb?
Find the real subject first and ignore extra phrases. In 'The box of crayons is on the table,' the subject is 'box,' not 'crayons,' so the verb is 'is.' Cross out prepositional phrases like 'of crayons' or 'in the garden' to make the true subject easier to spot.
When do I use was versus were?
Use 'was' with singular subjects: I, he, she, it, or one person or thing (She was happy). Use 'were' with plural subjects and with you: we, they, you, the kids (They were happy). A common mistake is saying 'they was' or 'the dogs was,' which mixes up the rule.
What about compound subjects joined by 'and'?
When two subjects are joined by 'and,' they almost always take a plural verb. For example, 'My brother and I walk to school' uses 'walk,' not 'walks,' because 'my brother and I' counts as more than one. This is a key rule for third graders moving into longer, more detailed sentences.
Are these worksheets really free?
Yes! All our worksheets are 100% free to download and print. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no registration required.
Can I use these in my classroom?
Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.