Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Held"

To sign 'held' (which is the same sign as 'hold'), form an 'S' handshape with your dominant hand, as if you are grasping an object. Start with your hand slightly in front of your body. Then, pull your fist slightly inward toward yourself, keeping the grip tight to represent holding onto something securely.

Examples Using "Held" in a Sentence

1

I held the baby.

To express this, you would sign 'I', then 'BABY', and follow it with the sign for 'HELD'. The context of the sentence makes it clear that you are physically supporting the baby.

2

She held the book.

Sign 'SHE' by pointing to the person, then sign 'BOOK', and finish with the sign for 'HELD'. Remember that ASL doesn't change the verb for past tense, so you use the same sign as 'hold'.

3

Please hold my bag.

While 'held' is past tense, the sign is the same for the present tense command. Sign 'PLEASE', 'MY', 'BAG', and use the 'HELD' sign to ask someone to grasp it for you.

How to Sign "Held"
To sign 'held' (which is the same sign as 'hold'), form an 'S' handshape with your dominant hand, as if you are grasping an object. Start with your hand slightly in front of your body. Then, pull your fist slightly inward toward yourself, keeping the grip tight to represent holding onto something securely.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the physical act it describes. The tight fist mimics a hand gripping a physical object securely. The slight inward motion toward the body naturally suggests keeping that object close, safe, or firmly in your possession.
Signing Tips
When signing 'held', make sure your fist is tight in the 'S' handshape to clearly convey the idea of grasping something. The slight pulling motion toward your body is key—it emphasizes the action of keeping or holding the object securely. You can also adjust the intensity of your grip and facial expression to show how tightly the object was held.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is keeping the hand completely still. Without the slight inward pulling motion, the sign might just look like you are showing the letter 'S' rather than performing the active verb of holding something. Ensure you include that small, deliberate movement toward your body.
Regional Variations
While the one-handed version is very common, you will frequently see 'held' signed with two hands. In the two-handed variation, both hands form 'S' handshapes, with one fist placed on top of the other, and both pull inward together. Both versions are widely accepted across North America.
Examples Using "Held" in a Sentence
1

I held the baby.

To express this, you would sign 'I', then 'BABY', and follow it with the sign for 'HELD'. The context of the sentence makes it clear that you are physically supporting the baby.

2

She held the book.

Sign 'SHE' by pointing to the person, then sign 'BOOK', and finish with the sign for 'HELD'. Remember that ASL doesn't change the verb for past tense, so you use the same sign as 'hold'.

3

Please hold my bag.

While 'held' is past tense, the sign is the same for the present tense command. Sign 'PLEASE', 'MY', 'BAG', and use the 'HELD' sign to ask someone to grasp it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show that 'held' is in the past tense?

In ASL, verbs don't change their form to show past tense. You use the standard sign for 'HOLD' and establish the past tense by adding a time sign, such as 'YESTERDAY' or 'PAST', at the beginning of your sentence.

Can I use this sign for 'holding a meeting'?

No, this specific sign is used for physically grasping an object. If you want to talk about holding a meeting, an event, or holding a thought, you would use different signs conceptually suited to those meanings, like 'HAVE' or 'MEETING'.

Should I use one hand or two hands for this sign?

Both are correct! The one-handed version shown here is great for everyday, casual signing. The two-handed version (with one fist stacked over the other) is also very common and can be used to emphasize a stronger grip or holding something larger.

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