PocketSign
Practice

Classifier Groups in Space

Learn how the 3-handshape can represent a vehicle in space, why the 3 does not mean three cars, and how to put that classifier in spots for several cars.

All Pluralization lessons
ASL signer showing CL:1 and CL:3 classifier handshapes for plural groups in space

Tiny Classifier Refresher

This is still a pluralization lesson. You only need two classifier reminders before you practice the plural pattern.

Close-up hand showing CL:1 with one upright index finger
CL:1 personAn upright index finger can stand for one person after you name the person first.Use it after PERSON, STUDENT, FRIEND, or a name when one person moves through the scene.
Close-up hands showing ASL number 3 palm-forward and CL:3 vehicle classifier rotated sideways
CL:3 vehicleThumb, index, and middle finger can stand for a vehicle after you name the vehicle first.ASL number 3 and CL:3 use the same handshape. For CL:3 vehicle, turn it sideways so the thumb points up.

Learn It

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

The main plural skill here is not learning every classifier. It is learning how one classifier can be repeated in space to show more than one thing.

For cars, sign CAR and the number first. Then use the sideways 3-handshape vehicle classifier in one spot for each car.

The word "place/in spot" in this lesson is not a sign you repeat. It means put the classifier into a clear location in your signing space.

For three cars, sign CAR THREE, then put the same sideways 3-handshape vehicle classifier in three spots. For four cars, sign CAR FOUR, then put it in four spots.

After the cars are set up, you can sign PERSON and use CL:1 to show one person walking past or between the car spots.

Think of the space in front of you like a small map. Keep the car spots steady, then move the person classifier around or past those spots.

CL:3 is not a countThe 3 means the handshape, not three cars. One car, four cars, or many cars can still use the 3-handshape vehicle classifier.
Name it firstSign CAR first. Then the sideways 3-handshape can stand in for that car.
Place/in spot means moveIn this lesson, "place/in spot" means put the classifier in a new spot. You are not signing the vocabulary sign PLACE.

Try It

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

  1. English:One car is parked.Decide the spot:Sign CAR first, then turn the 3-handshape sideways and put it in one place/in spot.Now sign:CAR ONE,3-handshape vehicle-classifier in spot 1.
  2. English:Three cars are parked in a row.Decide the map:The 3 in CL:3 is the handshape, not the number. Use the same sideways 3-handshape in three places/spots.Now sign:CAR THREE,3-handshape vehicle-classifier in spot 1,spot 2,spot 3.
  3. English:Four cars are parked in a row.Decide the map:Change the number to FOUR, but keep the same sideways 3-handshape vehicle classifier for each car.Now sign:CAR FOUR,3-handshape vehicle-classifier in spot 1,spot 2,spot 3,spot 4.
  4. English:A person walks past the parked cars.Decide the path:Set up the car spots first, then sign PERSON and use CL:1 for the walking person.Now sign:CAR THREE,3-handshape in three spots,PERSON,CL:1 walk-past car-row.
  5. English:A person walks between two parked cars.Decide the safe path:Put two vehicle spots apart, then move CL:1 through the open space between them.Now sign:CAR TWO,3-handshape in spot left,3-handshape in spot right,PERSON,CL:1 walk-between.

Simple Examples

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

ASL lineCAR ONE,3-handshape vehicle-classifier in spot 1.
MeaningOne car is parked.
TipThe classifier is chosen because CAR is a vehicle.
ASL lineCAR THREE,3-handshape vehicle-classifier in spot 1,spot 2,spot 3.
MeaningThree cars are parked.
TipThe number THREE gives the amount. The 3-handshape shows each vehicle.
ASL lineCAR FOUR,3-handshape vehicle-classifier in spot 1,spot 2,spot 3,spot 4.
MeaningFour cars are parked.
TipFour cars still use the 3-handshape because it represents vehicles.
ASL linePERSON,CL:1 walk-past CARS.
MeaningA person walks past the cars.
TipCL:1 stands for the person after PERSON is named.
ASL lineCAR TWO,3-handshape in spot left,3-handshape in spot right,PERSON CL:1 walk-between.
MeaningA person walks between two cars.
TipThe person classifier should move through the open space, not through a car spot.

Common Mistake

Do not read CL:3 as "three things." The 3 names the vehicle handshape. The number of cars comes from signs like ONE, THREE, FOUR, MANY, or from how many vehicle spots you set up.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

The reference document calls these entity classifiers or depicting signs. For this pluralization lesson, the useful pattern is label the car, choose the sideways CL:3 vehicle classifier, put each car in a place/in spot, then use CL:1 only if a person moves through the scene.