PocketSign
Advanced

Topic-Comment Sentences

ASL can put the thing you are talking about first, then say the comment. Raised eyebrows and a small pause show where the setup ends.

All Advanced NMM lessons
ASL signer setting up a topic with raised eyebrows and clear hands

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

A topic-comment sentence starts with the topic: the person, place, thing, or idea you want the viewer to hold in mind.

While signing the topic, raise your eyebrows and keep your eyes alert. Then pause or blink before you sign the comment.

After the topic is set, relax your face and sign what happened, what you think, or what you want to say about it.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the face before the sentence is over.

  1. Sign BOOK with raised eyebrows, pause, then sign ME READ.
  2. Try CAT with raised eyebrows, pause, then sign DOG CHASE.
  3. Record yourself and check that the topic face stops before the comment begins.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first, then check the meaning and tip.

ASL lineBOOK,ME READ.
MeaningAs for the book, I read it.
TipRaised brows mark BOOK as the topic.
ASL lineCAT,DOG CHASE.
MeaningAs for the cat, the dog chased it.
TipThe topic comes first, then the comment explains it.

Common Mistake

Do not topicalize every sentence. Use it when the topic needs to be set up clearly before the main point.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

The PDF names several topic marker types, including TM1, TM2, and TM3. Learners can start with the useful pattern: raised brows plus a brief pause mark the topic, then the comment follows.