Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Else"

To sign "else," start with your dominant hand in an "A" handshape, where your fingers are curled into a fist and your thumb is pointing up and resting against the side of your index finger. Hold your hand in front of your chest with your palm facing your non-dominant side. Move your hand outward to your dominant side in a smooth, short motion.

Examples Using "Else" in a Sentence

1

Do you want anything else?

To sign this, you will sign 'WANT,' 'ANYTHING,' and then 'ELSE' using the outward moving 'A' handshape. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly.

2

Someone else is coming.

Sign 'SOMEONE' followed by 'ELSE,' and then 'COMING.' Ensure the outward motion of 'ELSE' is clear to show the shift to another person. Keep your movement smooth to connect the concepts naturally.

3

Where else did you go?

You can sign 'YOU', 'GO', 'ELSE', and then 'WHERE'. Because this is a 'wh-' question asking for specific information, you must furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly while signing 'WHERE'.

How to Sign "Else"
To sign "else," start with your dominant hand in an "A" handshape, where your fingers are curled into a fist and your thumb is pointing up and resting against the side of your index finger. Hold your hand in front of your chest with your palm facing your non-dominant side. Move your hand outward to your dominant side in a smooth, short motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'else' (which is also used for the word 'other') visually represents moving an idea, person, or object to the side. By shifting the 'A' handshape from the center of your signing space over to your dominant side, it creates a strong visual metaphor. You are literally setting the current topic aside to consider an alternative, another option, or something 'else'.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement crisp and deliberate. The motion should come mostly from your arm rather than just flicking your wrist. Make sure your thumb stays clearly extended in the 'A' handshape throughout the entire sideways movement. Relax your facial expressions unless you are asking a question like 'what else?', in which case you should furrow your eyebrows to match the grammar.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is twisting the wrist so the palm faces down or forward during the movement. You want to keep your palm facing sideways (towards your non-dominant side) the whole time. Another frequent error is making the sideways movement too large or sweeping. It only needs to be a short, distinct shift to the side to clearly communicate the concept.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Else" in a Sentence
1

Do you want anything else?

To sign this, you will sign 'WANT,' 'ANYTHING,' and then 'ELSE' using the outward moving 'A' handshape. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly.

2

Someone else is coming.

Sign 'SOMEONE' followed by 'ELSE,' and then 'COMING.' Ensure the outward motion of 'ELSE' is clear to show the shift to another person. Keep your movement smooth to connect the concepts naturally.

3

Where else did you go?

You can sign 'YOU', 'GO', 'ELSE', and then 'WHERE'. Because this is a 'wh-' question asking for specific information, you must furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly while signing 'WHERE'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'else' the same as 'other'?

Yes! In ASL, the sign for 'else' is the exact same sign used for 'other' or 'another.' The context of your sentence will make it clear which English word translates best for the situation.

Which hand should I use to sign 'else'?

You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, your right hand will form the 'A' handshape and move outward to the right. If you are left-handed, use your left hand and move it to the left.

How big should the movement be?

The movement should be relatively small and controlled, moving just a few inches to the side. Avoid swinging your arm too far out, as it can look exaggerated or disrupt the natural flow of your sentence.

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