Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "All Gone"

Start with your non-dominant hand open and flat in front of you, with the palm facing up. Place your open dominant hand on top of the non-dominant palm. Slide your dominant hand across and off the non-dominant hand, closing it into a fist as it moves away, as if wiping something completely clean.

Examples Using "All Gone" in a Sentence

1

The cookies are all gone.

Sign 'COOKIE' followed by the sign for 'ALL GONE' to show that none are left. Emphasize the wiping motion to show the plate is completely empty.

2

My money is all gone.

Sign 'MONEY' and then 'ALL GONE'. You can use a slightly exaggerated facial expression, like a disappointed pout, to emphasize that you are completely out of cash.

3

Is the milk all gone?

Sign 'MILK' then 'ALL GONE', while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "All Gone"
Start with your non-dominant hand open and flat in front of you, with the palm facing up. Place your open dominant hand on top of the non-dominant palm. Slide your dominant hand across and off the non-dominant hand, closing it into a fist as it moves away, as if wiping something completely clean.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'all gone' is highly iconic and visually represents a surface being wiped completely clean. The non-dominant hand acts as a surface—like a table, a plate, or a container. The dominant hand acts as a hand sweeping everything away. Closing the dominant hand into a fist at the end of the motion symbolizes grabbing the last of whatever was there, leaving absolutely nothing behind.
Signing Tips
Focus on the crispness of the wiping motion. The dominant hand should start open and smoothly transition into a closed fist as it clears the non-dominant hand. This closing action is key to conveying the idea of 'nothing left.' Ensure your non-dominant hand remains stationary and flat like a table or plate. Pair the sign with a slight head shake or a neutral facial expression depending on the context of what is missing.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is keeping the dominant hand open after the wiping motion instead of closing it into a fist. Closing the hand is crucial for showing that the item has been completely taken or depleted. Another common error is moving both hands; remember that the non-dominant hand should act as a stationary base. Finally, avoid making the wiping motion too slow, as 'all gone' usually implies a definitive end or emptiness, which is best shown with a brisk sweep.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "All Gone" in a Sentence
1

The cookies are all gone.

Sign 'COOKIE' followed by the sign for 'ALL GONE' to show that none are left. Emphasize the wiping motion to show the plate is completely empty.

2

My money is all gone.

Sign 'MONEY' and then 'ALL GONE'. You can use a slightly exaggerated facial expression, like a disappointed pout, to emphasize that you are completely out of cash.

3

Is the milk all gone?

Sign 'MILK' then 'ALL GONE', while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'all gone' the same as the sign for 'empty'?

Yes! This sign is frequently used to mean 'empty,' 'depleted,' or 'run out.' Whether you are talking about a cup being empty or the cookies being all gone, the same sign applies.

Do I have to touch my hands together?

Yes, your dominant hand should lightly brush or slide across the palm of your non-dominant hand. The physical contact helps emphasize the action of wiping a surface clean.

Can I use this sign to say someone left or went away?

No, 'all gone' is used for objects, food, or resources being depleted. If you want to say a person has left, you would use the sign for 'LEAVE' or 'DEPART' instead.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!