What is the difference between an adjective and an adverb?

Adjectives describe nouns: a loud dog. Adverbs usually 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, and so does a word that tells how much about a describing word, like very in very heavy.

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.

3rd grade identifying adverbs

3rd grade identifying adverbs worksheets

An adverb usually describes a verb, answering how, when, where, and how often. Third graders learn to tell adverbs apart from adjectives: adjectives describe nouns, and adverbs describe actions or, now and then, a describing word (very heavy).

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core L.3.1.a.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of sentences you'll get

Underline the adverb in each sentence.

The baby smiled sweetly at her grandma.
Answer: sweetly
Dad flipped the pancakes perfectly.
The ducklings were following their mother closely.

Every print pulls a new set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different mix.

What's on a 3rd grade sheet

3rd grade sheets draw from 181 sentences, 12 to a page. 80 of the 181 aren't on 2nd grade sheets. The other 101 are. 2nd grade sheets print 10 to a page.

Some of the words to find:

angrilyeasilycalmlyyesterdayjoyfullyoftensmoothlyTomorrownoisilyimmediately

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 3rd grade identifying adverbs

What is the difference between an adjective and an adverb?: Adjectives describe nouns: a loud dog. Adverbs usually 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, and so does a word that tells how much about a describing word, like very in very heavy.
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.

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Aligned to Common Core L.3.1.a. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated October 2026.

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