Printable Singular and Plural Verbs Worksheet | Grade 1 ELA

This Grade 1 English Language Arts worksheet provides comprehensive practice with singular and plural verbs to ensure students master subject-verb agreement. By engaging with 29 targeted problems across multiple formats, learners develop the foundational grammar skills necessary for clear and correct sentence construction. This printable resource includes a full answer key to support immediate feedback and classroom efficiency.

At a Glance

• Grade: 1 · Subject: ELA
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.C — Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences
• Skill Focus: Subject-verb agreement
• Format: 4 pages · 29 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent grammar practice or homework
• Time: 20–30 minutes

What's Inside

This four-page instructional packet is designed to guide students from simple recognition to independent application of grammar rules. It features a clear "Grammar Rules" reference box, 15 multiple-choice selection tasks, 10 fill-in-the-blank sentences using a word bank, and 4 matching challenges. The structured layout includes visual cues and manageable text, making it highly accessible for early readers.

Skill Progression

• Guided Recognition (15 tasks): Students choose between two verb options (e.g., is/are, naps/nap) within structured sentences to identify the correct agreement based on the subject.
• Supported Application (10 tasks): Using a provided word bank, learners select and write the appropriate singular or plural verb form to complete a variety of context-rich sentences.
• Independent Synthesis (4 tasks): Students connect subjects to their correct verb forms in a matching format, demonstrating a consolidated understanding of the singular/plural relationship.

This sequence follows a gradual-release model, moving from identification to production to ensure long-term retention of grammar standards.

Standards Alignment

This resource aligns specifically with `CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.C`: "Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences (e.g., He hops; We hop)." It also supports general conventions of standard English expected in first-grade writing. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

How to Use It

Use this worksheet as a primary practice tool during a direct instruction unit on verbs. It is especially effective as a second-day activity after students have been introduced to the concept of singular and plural subjects. During the activity, observe if students are correctly identifying plural markers like "s" or "es" on nouns, as this is a common predictor of success with verb agreement. Expected completion time is 20 to 30 minutes depending on reading level.

Who It's For

This worksheet is ideal for first-grade students, English Language Learners (ELLs) requiring scaffolds in syntax, and second-grade students needing remedial grammar support. It pairs naturally with anchor charts illustrating the "s" swap rule (where singular subjects often take verbs ending in "s," while plural subjects do not).

According to Fisher & Frey (2014), the use of intentional scaffolds like word banks and matching tasks is critical for the development of linguistic precision in early elementary students. This worksheet utilizes those research-based scaffolds to address the CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.C standard, providing 29 opportunities for students to apply the rules of subject-verb agreement. By moving from choice-based tasks to independent writing, the material ensures that learners do not just memorize patterns but understand the underlying logic of English grammar. This targeted approach significantly reduces the cognitive load on Grade 1 learners, allowing them to focus specifically on the relationship between singular and plural forms within a sentence. This resource serves as a reliable formative assessment tool, providing teachers with clear evidence of student mastery or areas requiring further intervention in standard English conventions.