2nd Grade Past, Present, and Future Verbs Worksheets
Every verb tells when: the past (walked, sang), the present (walks, sings), or the future (will walk, will sing). Second graders sort verbs into the three columns quickly and start explaining their choices: the -ed ending, the -s ending, or the helper will.
Free printable PDF, aligned to Common Core L.1.1.e. One skill per page, answer key on page two.
Every sheet is one of a kind and prints with a version code, so you can reprint the exact same one later. New version every click.
The kind of words you'll sort
Write each verb from the bank under Past, Present, or Future.
drinkstellsranlaughedwill paintwill climbgoesflewwill singrideswill laughtold
Columns: Past and Present and Future. "laughed" belongs under past; "goes" belongs under present; "will climb" belongs under future.
Every print draws a fresh mix of word lists at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different sheet.
What's on each sheet
- Sorting. Write each verb from the bank under Past, Present, or Future. 21 words per page.
Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.
How to teach this
Teach the three flags explicitly: -ed flags the past, -s flags the present, will flags the future. Then complicate it kindly with a few irregular pasts (sang, ran) so students learn the flags are clues, not guarantees. Sorting aloud beats sorting silently at this age.
Watch for: The future never changes the verb itself; it borrows the helper will. On these sheets, if you see will, it's future. Some past verbs skip -ed and change instead: sang, wrote, ran. They're still past.
Common questions about past, present, and future verbs
- What are the clues for each tense?
- Three flags: -ed on the end means past, -s on the end means present (he walks), and will in front means future. The flags cover most verbs a 2nd grader meets, and the exceptions (sang, ran) make good discussion moments rather than obstacles.
- Why does the future use "will" instead of an ending?
- English simply never grew a future ending; it recruits the helper will instead. Kids find it satisfying that the future is the easy one: if will is standing in front, the answer is future, no exceptions at this level.
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Aligned to Common Core L.1.1.e. Reviewed by the One More Sheet curriculum team. Content version 68, updated July 2026.