How to Sign "Forward"

Start with both hands open, palms facing up, and held in front of your body. Move your dominant hand forward in a slight arc, extending it ahead of your non-dominant hand. Keep your fingers pointing forward throughout the motion.

Examples Using "Forward" in a Sentence

1

We need to move forward with the project.

Sign 'forward' to demonstrate progression or advancing to the next steps of the project.

2

Please step forward.

Use 'forward' to indicate the physical direction you want the person to move.

3

The line slowly moved forward.

Sign 'forward' to show the physical movement of the line advancing ahead.

How to Sign "Forward"
Start with both hands open, palms facing up, and held in front of your body. Move your dominant hand forward in a slight arc, extending it ahead of your non-dominant hand. Keep your fingers pointing forward throughout the motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly intuitive and visually represents the concept of advancement. By having the dominant hand physically move ahead of the stationary non-dominant hand, it creates a clear spatial metaphor for moving forward, progressing, or advancing.
Signing Tips
Keep your palms facing upward and your fingers relaxed but straight. The movement of your dominant hand should be smooth and deliberate, clearly advancing past your non-dominant hand to emphasize the idea of progression.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands at the same time. Remember to keep your non-dominant hand stationary as a base while only your dominant hand moves forward. Also, avoid turning your palms inward.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Forward" in a Sentence
1

We need to move forward with the project.

Sign 'forward' to demonstrate progression or advancing to the next steps of the project.

2

Please step forward.

Use 'forward' to indicate the physical direction you want the person to move.

3

The line slowly moved forward.

Sign 'forward' to show the physical movement of the line advancing ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used to mean 'progress'?

Yes! This sign is frequently used to mean 'progress', 'advance', or 'proceed' in both physical contexts and abstract situations like a project or plan.

Is this the right sign for 'looking forward to' something?

Not exactly. While it means moving forward, ASL uses a different, specific sign for 'looking forward to' or 'anticipating' something, which is typically signed near the face.

Should my non-dominant hand move at all?

No, your non-dominant hand should remain stationary in front of you. It acts as a reference point to show how far your dominant hand is advancing.

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