1. Read about verbs of perception.

A. We use verbs of perception to talk about things that we see, hear, taste, feel, and smell. Some common verbs of perception are: see, notice, discover, find, hear, feel, and smell.

B. Verbs of perception are often used in sentences like this one: We smelled cookies baking.C. Notice the pattern:

verb of perception (smelled) +
someone or something (cookies) +
the -ing form of a verb (baking)

The verb in its -ing form describes an action that is in progress. (The cookies were already baking when we smelled them.)

2. Complete the sentences below with a verb in its -ing form. There is more than one way to complete each sentence.

1. What woke you up?
I heard the neighbor’s dog ______barking___________.

2. How did you know you were getting close to the airport?
I saw planes _________________________ and _________________________.

3. Why did you run into the kitchen?
I smelled the rice _________________________.

4. What woke you up this morning?
I heard birds _________________________ outside my window.

5. Did you enjoy the picnic?
Well, I was enjoying it until I felt ants _________________________ up my leg.

6. Why did you slow down?
I noticed red lights _________________________ ahead.

7. Where was the kitten?
I found it _________________________ under our porch.

8. Why do you always get hungry when you walk down that street?
I smell pizza _________________________ in the Italian restaurant.

9. What was wrong with your car?
The mechanic discovered oil _________________________ from the engine.

3. Make your own sentence in this pattern: verb of perception + someone or something + the -ing form of a verb. Share your sentence with the class.

Answer Key

Possible Answers to Questions 1-9:

1. barking
2. taking off, landing
3. burning
4. singing
5. crawling
6. flashing or blinking
7. hiding or sleeping
8. baking
9. leaking

Worksheet: © 2020 Sandra Heyer. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.
Photo: © voneyben | Dreamstime. Reprinted with permission.