PocketSign
Practice

Name Possession Like BOB'S

For names, ASL can show possession by putting the thing right after the name or by using a simple possessive marker after the name.

All Possession lessons
ASL signer showing a simple name possession teaching pose

Watch First

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

BOB to BOB'SWatch how a name can become possessive in a beginner example.

Learn It

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

Names are a little different because English often writes apostrophe-s, like Bob's.

In beginner ASL, the clearest natural pattern is often simple: sign the name, then sign the thing.

BOB CAT can mean Bob's cat when the context is clear.

You can also set up Bob in space, then use the flat possessive hand toward Bob before the thing.

Some signers use a small apostrophe-s style marker after a fingerspelled name, especially for names, labels, or English-influenced signing.

Keep the beginner goal simple: do not fingerspell extra English words. Show who owns the thing and then name the thing.

Name firstPut the owner name before the thing: BOB CAT.
Use spaceSet Bob in one spot, then aim the flat hand there for HIS.
Keep it simpleFor beginners, focus on owner plus thing before worrying about apostrophe-s details.

Try It

Practice slowly. Watch how the hand movement changes the meaning.

  1. Fingerspell . Then sign . Think: Bob's cat.
  2. Fingerspell , set him on your right, then sign .
  3. Fingerspell SUE. Then sign . Think: Sue's book.
  4. Set Sue on your left, then aim a flat hand left for .
  5. Sign . Keep the order owner first, thing second.
  6. Try if you want the possession to be extra clear.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names the hand movement or lack of extra movement.

ASL line .
MeaningBob's cat.
TipThe owner comes first, then the thing.
bobcat
ASL line . flat B hand
MeaningBob's cat.
TipSet up Bob, then aim the flat hand toward Bob for HIS.
Hand movementflat B handAim HIS toward Bob's space.
bobhiscat
ASL lineSUE .
MeaningSue's book.
TipName first, object second is simple and clear.
ASL lineSUE . flat B hand
MeaningSue's or hers.
TipUse her space and the flat hand to show ownership.
Hand movementflat B handAim the possessive hand toward Sue's space.
ASL line .
MeaningBob's house.
TipThe order makes the relationship clear.
bobhouse
ASL line . flat B hand
MeaningBob's house.
TipAdding HIS can make the possession extra clear.
Hand movementflat B handUse the possessive hand toward Bob's space.
bobhishouse

Common Mistake

Do not try to translate every English apostrophe-s as a separate English word. In ASL, the owner and the thing can often sit next to each other, or you can use the possessive flat hand toward the owner.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

The source document notes that apostrophe-s style signing appears in some English-influenced contexts. For a beginner lesson, the safer habit is to build meaning visually: name the owner, keep their space clear, and show the thing that belongs to them.