Sense Verbs Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.1-2.1.e

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

A verb that explicitly describe the use of one of our five senses is called a sense verb. When used in a sentence, sense verbs should be accompanied by adjectives rather than an adverb. Grammar normally follows suit that verbs are modified by adverbs, but sense verbs roll differently. This often gives English as a second language speakers difficulty. Native speakers instinctively use adjectives in these cases. This selection of worksheets will show you how to sense verbs properly in sentences.

Sense Verbs Worksheets:

Really Columns – Write the sense verbs in the correct column.

The Sentence – Choose a sense verb below to complete each sentence. Use the correct form of the verb.

Using Sense Verbs – Imagine you are in the picture, walking down this street. Write sentences using sense verbs to describe what you are experiencing. Try to use a sense verb for each of the five senses.

Fill In the Blank – Read each sentence below. Choose the correct word to fill in the blank.

My Pictures – Write an appropriate sense verb under each picture.

What Sense? – Choose the correct sense verb to complete each sentence.

The 5 Senses – You use your five senses to interact with the world. Sense verbs are verbs that refer to the five sense.

Painted on Your Face! – Some of these are hard and others are soft.

Verb Sentences – Write a sentence that describes each picture.

Which Is It? – Circle the words that are synonyms for see.

Sentence Stacker – Write a sentence for each sense using each sense verb.

Writing with Sense Verbs – Imagine you are in the picture, in this back yard. Write sentences using sense verbs to describe what you are experiencing. Try to use a sense verb for each of the five senses.

Complete It! – Describe your classroom by completing each sentence.

Proper Form – Use the correct form of the verb.

Plural or Singular – Decide which word belongs in each sentence.

What are Sense Verbs?


We are blessed with five senses through which we know the world. These senses include the sense of sight (eyes), the sense of hearing (ears), the sense of touch (fingers), the sense of smell (nose), and the sense of taste (mouth). These senses are also talked about in our daily text and speech. To talk about these senses in the English language, we use sensory verbs.

Sense verbs are the verbs that describe and define these five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Some common sense verbs include seem, taste, sound, look, feel, and smell. When you are using the sense verbs, it is important that you use adjectives with them. Using adverbs with sense verbs is not advisable.

Sense verbs can be used in three basic ways.

The first way to use the sense verbs is unintentional. It means when you sense something unintentionally. For example, imagine that you are sitting in a room and there is a storm outside. You hear the thunder outside. You hear it even when you are not trying to hear it. You are just sitting and the sound reaches your ears on its own. The sense of hearing can be either be passive or active. The term hearing is used when you want to describe the passive sense.

The second way to use the sense verbs is active. It occurs when you intentionally use your sense. For example, you have ordered a burger at a restaurant which you are excited to try. You will put your nose close to it to smell it. After that, you will use your mouth to taste it.

The third way to use the sense verbs is to describe the feelings associated with senses. For example,

The burger tastes delicious.
The thunder sounded scary.