3rd grade identifying adverbs worksheets
An adverb describes a verb, answering how, when, where, and how often. Third graders learn to tell adverbs apart from adjectives: adjectives describe nouns, adverbs describe actions.
Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core L.3.1.a.
A new sheet every click.
The kind of sentences you'll get
Underline the adverb in each sentence.
-
The mail carrier usually arrives before lunch.
Answer: usually
- Hana speaks fluently in both Japanese and English.
- The old turtle crossed the road slowly.
Every print pulls a fresh set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.
What's on each sheet
- Identify. Underline the adverb in each sentence. 12 questions per page.
- Multiple choice. Circle the letter of the word that is the adverb. 10 questions per page.
Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.
How to teach this
The reliable routine is verb first, adverb second. Have students underline the action word, then hunt for the word that answers how, when, where, or how often. Watch for the classic mix-up with adjectives: "the fast runner" and "she runs fast" make a good contrasting pair to talk through before the worksheet.
Watch for: Not every word that ends in -ly is an adverb. In 'a friendly dog', friendly describes the dog, so it is an adjective. Adverbs do not always end in -ly. Words like soon, here, never, and fast can be adverbs too.
Common questions about identifying adverbs
- What is the difference between an adjective and an adverb?
- Adjectives describe nouns: a loud dog. Adverbs describe verbs: the dog barked loudly. When a student is unsure, have them find what the word is describing. A person, place, or thing means adjective. An action means adverb.
- How do I teach adverbs to a 3rd grader?
- Underline the verb first, every time. Then ask three questions in order: how, when, where. Most grade 3 sentences hide exactly one word that answers one of them. After a few worksheets the routine becomes automatic, and you can add trickier sentences with the adverb at the front.
Related worksheets
- 2nd grade identifying adverbs A step easier, same skill
- 4th grade identifying adverbs A step harder, same skill
- 3rd grade adverbs of how, when, and where Same grade, nearby skill
- 3rd grade articles (a, an, the) Same grade, nearby skill
- 3rd grade collective nouns Same grade, nearby skill
- Identifying adverbs, all grades The full progression
- All 3rd grade English worksheets Every skill at this level
- All 3rd grade worksheets Everything at this level
Ready to print one?
Need a fresh set of questions? Download another copy.
Aligned to Common Core L.3.1.a. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 137, updated August 2026.
Spot a mistake on this sheet? Tell us. · About these worksheets