PocketSign
Intermediate

Brow Raise for Topics, If, and Describing

Raised eyebrows are not only for yes/no questions. They can also set up a topic, an if idea, or a noun you are describing.

All NMM Basics lessons
ASL signer using raised eyebrows to set up a topic before explaining

Learn It

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

A raised brow can tell the viewer, "Here is the topic. Now I will say something about it."

It can also mark the if part of a sentence, like IF RAIN, GAME CANCEL.

For beginners, think of raised brows as a way to set up information before the main point.

Try It

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

  1. Sign , . Raise your brows on , then relax for .
  2. Sign , . Raise your brows during .
  3. Try pointing to an object with raised brows, then explain something about it.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names what your face or head is doing.

ASL line, . raised brows
MeaningAs for the book, I read it.
TipRaised brows mark BOOK as the topic.
Face actionraised browsRaise your eyebrows on BOOK, then relax for ME READ.
ASL line , . raised brows
MeaningIf it rains, the game is canceled.
TipRaised brows mark the if part.
Face actionraised browsRaise your eyebrows during IF RAIN, then relax for GAME CANCEL.

Common Mistake

Do not keep the brow raise forever. Use it for the setup part, then return to the face needed for the main sentence.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

The PDF describes this as a [-wh] operator. Learners do not need that term at first. The useful idea is that raised brows can restrict or set up what the next information is about.