PocketSign
Basic

WH Questions

Learn ASL WH question grammar for who, what, where, when, why, which, and how. Use furrowed eyebrows, focused eyes, and a slight head tilt when asking for information.

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ASL signer using furrowed eyebrows for a who what where when why question

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.

WH question browsWatch how lowered eyebrows mark questions that ask for specific information.
Transcript

For our WH questions, you want to make sure your eyebrows are lowered. For detailed questions, as if you are focusing on specific information.

Learn It

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

WH questions ask for information, not just yes or no. In ASL, that information can be a person, place, time, reason, choice, or action.

Use furrowed eyebrows, a focused look, and often a slight forward head tilt. The expression tells the viewer this is a real information question.

Many beginner ASL questions place the WH sign near the end, like NAME YOUR WHAT? or BATHROOM WHERE? This keeps the missing information clear.

Start the WH face before the sentence is over and hold it through the asking part. If you only furrow your eyebrows after your hands stop, the grammar can feel late.

Keep the expression natural. Furrowed eyebrows should look curious or focused, not angry, unless the sentence is actually emotional.

When practicing ASL WH questions, think of the English meaning first, then sign the short ASL version with the WH face. Simple lines help you focus on timing.

Try It

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

  1. Ask ? with lowered eyebrows.
  2. Ask ? with lowered eyebrows.
  3. Ask ? with lowered eyebrows.
  4. Ask ? with lowered eyebrows.
  5. Ask ? with lowered eyebrows.
  6. Ask ? with lowered eyebrows.
  7. Ask ? with lowered eyebrows.
  8. Ask ? with lowered eyebrows.
  9. Try the same signs with raised eyebrows and notice how wrong the question feels.
  10. Try one question with a small head tilt, then repeat it with no face and compare the difference.

Simple Examples

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

ASL line ? furrowed brows
MeaningWhat is your name?
TipWHAT uses the WH question face.
Face actionfurrowed browsLower or furrow your eyebrows because you are asking for information.
ASL line ? furrowed brows
MeaningWhere is the bathroom?
TipWHERE needs furrowed eyebrows.
Face actionfurrowed browsKeep a focused WH face, especially on WHERE.
ASL line ? furrowed brows
MeaningWhere are you going?
TipWHERE asks for a place or destination.
Face actionfurrowed browsKeep your eyebrows lowered while you ask for the place.
ASL line ? furrowed brows
MeaningWho is that?
TipWHO asks for a person, so use the WH face.
Face actionfurrowed browsUse a focused WH face because you need a person answer.
ASL line ? furrowed brows
MeaningWhen is class?
TipWHEN asks for time, not yes or no.
Face actionfurrowed browsLower your eyebrows while you ask for the time.
ASL line ? furrowed brows
MeaningWhy are you late?
TipWHY asks for a reason.
Face actionfurrowed browsKeep the furrow clear on WHY because you need a reason.
ASL line ? furrowed brows
MeaningHow do you sign this?
TipHOW asks for a method or explanation.
Face actionfurrowed browsUse the WH question face while asking how to do the sign.

Common Mistake

Do not use raised eyebrows just because it is a question. Raised eyebrows usually ask for yes or no, while ASL WH questions usually need lowered eyebrows. Also avoid dropping the WH face too early. If your face relaxes before WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, or HOW, the question can look unfinished or unclear.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

The PDF groups these markers as the WH-bundle: furrowed brows, head tilt, and sometimes body lean. In everyday ASL practice, the useful idea is that your face marks the sentence as an information question while your hands show the signs. The exact strength can change depending on the focus of the question. A short line like BATHROOM WHERE? may only need a clear, natural furrow, while a more emphatic question may make the brow furrow stronger near the WH sign. Beginners should practice accuracy before intensity: choose the WH face early, keep it connected to the question, and relax only after the asking part is finished.