How to Sign "Go To Work"

To sign 'go to work', you will combine the signs for 'work' and 'go'. First, form both hands into 'S' shapes (fists) and tap the heel of your dominant hand against the back of your non-dominant wrist twice. Then, change both hands to '1' handshapes with your index fingers extended, and move them forward and away from your body to signify going somewhere.

Examples Using "Go To Work" in a Sentence

1

I have to go to work early tomorrow.

To sign this, you would sign 'tomorrow', 'early', 'me', 'must', and then the phrase 'go to work'.

2

What time do you go to work?

Sign 'time', 'you', and 'go to work', while furrowing your eyebrows at the end to indicate a 'wh-' question.

3

She already went to work.

Point to your subject for 'she', sign 'finish' to show the action is completed, and then sign 'go to work'.

How to Sign "Go To Work"
To sign 'go to work', you will combine the signs for 'work' and 'go'. First, form both hands into 'S' shapes (fists) and tap the heel of your dominant hand against the back of your non-dominant wrist twice. Then, change both hands to '1' handshapes with your index fingers extended, and move them forward and away from your body to signify going somewhere.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase is a direct combination of two highly iconic signs. 'Work' mimics the action of hands physically laboring or hammering, while 'go' uses the index fingers to visually trace a path of movement away from the signer's current location.
Signing Tips
Make sure to clearly distinguish the two parts of this phrase. The 'S' handshapes for 'work' should be firm, with a clear double tap. When transitioning to 'go', ensure your index fingers move decisively forward to show the direction of travel.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is blending the two signs together too quickly, making the handshapes sloppy. Ensure you fully form the 'S' hands for 'work' before transitioning to the '1' hands for 'go'. Also, avoid tapping your knuckles together for 'work'; the tap should be wrist-to-wrist.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Go To Work" in a Sentence
1

I have to go to work early tomorrow.

To sign this, you would sign 'tomorrow', 'early', 'me', 'must', and then the phrase 'go to work'.

2

What time do you go to work?

Sign 'time', 'you', and 'go to work', while furrowing your eyebrows at the end to indicate a 'wh-' question.

3

She already went to work.

Point to your subject for 'she', sign 'finish' to show the action is completed, and then sign 'go to work'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the word 'to' in 'go to work'?

No, in ASL, you do not need to sign the English preposition 'to'. The directional movement of the sign 'go' already implies moving toward a destination.

Can I sign 'go' before 'work'?

Yes, ASL word order can vary. While this video shows 'work' followed by 'go', signing 'go' then 'work' is also common and perfectly understood by fluent signers.

Should I move my whole body when signing 'go'?

No, keep your torso relatively still. The movement should come from your arms and hands moving forward, which is enough to clearly convey the concept of leaving or going.

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