Helping Verbs Worksheet — Printable Grade 4 ELA

This Grade 4 and 5 grammar worksheet provides targeted practice with helping verbs, specifically focusing on subject-verb agreement using "has" and "have." Students will read ten sentences and select the correct auxiliary verb to complete each thought, strengthening their foundational writing and editing skills.

At a Glance

• Grade: 4–5 · Subject: ELA
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 — Use standard English grammar and usage.
• Skill Focus: Helping Verbs (Has vs. Have)
• Format: 1 page · 10 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice or quick assessment
• Time: 10–15 minutes

This single-page printable includes 10 multiple-choice questions where students must choose between "has" and "have" to correctly complete each sentence. The straightforward layout minimizes distractions, allowing learners to focus entirely on grammar mechanics. A complete answer key is provided in the download to ensure fast and accurate grading for educators.

Designed for maximum efficiency, this resource requires almost no teacher setup.

• Print (1 minute): Simply download the PDF and print a class set. The black-and-white design is ink-friendly.
• Distribute (1 minute): Hand out the worksheet as a warm-up, exit ticket, or during literacy centers.
• Review (3 minutes): Use the included answer key to quickly check student work or facilitate a whole-class review session.

With a total prep time of under two minutes, this activity is an excellent addition to any emergency sub plan or last-minute lesson adjustment.

This activity is directly aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1, requiring students to demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. It also supports fifth-grade review for similar grammar expectations. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Deploy this worksheet during the independent practice phase of a grammar lesson, after providing direct instruction on singular and plural subjects. It serves as an effective activity that takes most students 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Alternatively, use it as a formative assessment at the end of the week to gauge mastery of auxiliary verbs. While reviewing the results, note whether students consistently struggle with specific pronouns or compound subjects, which can inform your small-group reteaching strategy.

This resource is ideal for fourth and fifth-grade students developing their understanding of subject-verb agreement. The clear, multiple-choice format provides built-in scaffolding for English Language Learners and students needing modified assignments. Pair this worksheet with a classroom anchor chart detailing the rules for using "has" and "have" to give students a reliable reference point as they work.

Mastering auxiliary verbs is a critical component of developing reading fluency and writing proficiency in upper elementary students. According to EdReports 2024, explicit grammar instruction combined with targeted, brief practice sessions significantly improves students' ability to construct complex sentences. This worksheet supports that pedagogical approach by isolating the skill of choosing between "has" and "have." By aligning with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1, which requires students to use standard English grammar and usage, educators can ensure their instructional materials meet rigorous academic expectations. Consistent practice with these foundational mechanics reduces cognitive load during more demanding writing tasks, allowing learners to focus on content and organization rather than basic sentence structure. This focused repetition is essential for long-term retention and application across all subject areas.