How to Sign "I Will"
To sign "I will" (which uses the sign for "will" or "future"), form an open, flat handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers together and your palm facing the side of your face. Start with your hand near your cheek or the side of your head. Move your hand straight forward in a single, smooth motion to indicate an action moving into the future.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, time is represented spatially around the body. The past is behind you, the present is right in front of your body, and the future is further ahead. The sign for 'will' moves forward from the face, visually representing an action or event moving forward into the future.
Signing Tips
Keep your hand flat and your fingers together throughout the sign. The movement should be a clear, straight line forward from the side of your face, visually representing the timeline of the future moving ahead of you.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is bending the fingers or waving the hand. Keep your hand flat and ensure the movement is a single, crisp motion forward. Also, avoid starting the sign too far away from your face; it should begin right next to your cheek.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "I Will" in a Sentence
1I will see you tomorrow.
Sign 'I will' to establish the future tense, then sign 'see' and 'tomorrow'.
2I will practice ASL every day.
Start with 'I will' to show your future commitment, followed by 'practice' and 'every day'.
3Yes, I will do that.
You can use this sign as a firm affirmative response to confirm that you are going to do something.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign 'I' before 'will'?
In ASL, pronouns are often understood from context, so you can sometimes just sign 'will' if it's clear you are talking about yourself. However, for clarity or emphasis, you can point to your chest for 'I' right before signing 'will'.
Is this the same sign for 'future'?
Yes! The sign for 'will' is the same as the sign for 'future'. The forward movement represents time moving ahead on the ASL timeline.
Can I use this sign to ask a question like 'Will you?'
Yes, but remember to use the correct facial expressions. When asking a yes/no question, raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing.
Related ASL Signs