PocketSign
Basic

Statement vs Question Face

The same signs can mean different things when the face changes. This is one of the fastest ASL grammar wins for beginners.

All NMM Basics lessons
ASL signer comparing a neutral statement face with a questioning face

Watch First

Use these short PocketSign clips to see the movement before you practice.

Eyebrow overviewCompare raised brows for yes/no questions with lowered brows for WH questions.
Transcript

Using facial expressions with ASL is very important. When you're asking yes or no questions, you want to make sure your eyebrows are up. When you're asking any WH questions such as who, what, when, where, why, or how, you want to make sure you lower your eyebrows.

Learn It

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

A statement usually has a calm, neutral face.

A question needs a question face. For many beginner questions, that means raised or lowered eyebrows.

The hands may stay the same, but the face tells the other person how to answer.

Try It

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

  1. Practice with a neutral face.
  2. Practice with raised eyebrows, like you expect yes or no.
  3. Practice with a neutral face, like you are telling someone they are ready.
  4. Practice with raised eyebrows, like you are checking if they are ready.
  5. Practice with a neutral face.
  6. Practice with raised eyebrows, like you want a yes or no answer.
  7. Try the same signs twice: first as a statement, then as a question.
  8. Ask a friend to guess whether you are making a statement or asking a question using only your face and signs.

Simple Examples

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

ASL line . neutral face
MeaningI am tired.
TipNeutral face gives information.
Face actionneutral faceKeep your face relaxed because you are giving information.
ASL line ? raised brows
MeaningAre you tired?
TipRaised eyebrows ask for yes or no.
Face actionraised browsRaise your eyebrows to show the answer can be yes or no.
ASL line . neutral face
MeaningYou are ready.
TipNeutral face makes this a statement.
Face actionneutral faceKeep your face calm because you are giving information.
ASL line ? raised brows
MeaningAre you ready?
TipRaised eyebrows turn the same signs into a yes or no question.
Face actionraised browsRaise your eyebrows while you sign because you are asking.
ASL line . neutral face
MeaningThe food is good.
TipA neutral face makes the line feel like simple information.
Face actionneutral faceKeep your face relaxed because you are making a statement.
ASL line ? raised brows
MeaningIs the food good?
TipRaised eyebrows show that you want the other person to answer.
Face actionraised browsRaise your eyebrows and look like you are checking for yes or no.

Common Mistake

Do not add a question mark face only after you finish signing. Start the face early enough for the whole question to feel clear.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

ASL can send information on more than one channel at the same time. The hands and face work together, so the grammar does not have to wait for a separate word.