Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Investigate"

To sign 'investigate,' hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up and slightly inward, representing a document or surface. Form your dominant hand into a '1' handshape with the index finger extended. Point your dominant index finger at your non-dominant palm and drag it across the palm toward the fingertips in a firm, digging motion. Repeat this scraping movement a couple of times to visually represent digging deeply into information.

Examples Using "Investigate" in a Sentence

1

The police will investigate the crime.

Start by signing 'police' by tapping a 'C' handshape on your chest. Then, perform the 'investigate' sign by digging your index finger into your palm, showing the active process of looking into the situation.

2

I need to investigate that problem.

Point to yourself for 'I', then sign 'need' with a hooked 'X' handshape moving downward. Follow this with the 'investigate' sign, keeping your eyebrows furrowed to show your determination to find the answer.

3

She is investigating the history of the town.

Point to your subject for 'she', then use the 'investigate' sign with a continuous, repeated motion to show ongoing research. Finish by signing 'history' and 'town' to complete the context of her investigation.

How to Sign "Investigate"
To sign 'investigate,' hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up and slightly inward, representing a document or surface. Form your dominant hand into a '1' handshape with the index finger extended. Point your dominant index finger at your non-dominant palm and drag it across the palm toward the fingertips in a firm, digging motion. Repeat this scraping movement a couple of times to visually represent digging deeply into information.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the concept of digging for information. The flat non-dominant hand acts as a surface, a document, or a body of evidence. The dominant index finger acts like a tool or a person's finger physically digging, scraping, and searching through that surface to uncover hidden facts. It perfectly captures the effort of looking deeply into a subject.
Signing Tips
When signing 'investigate,' your facial expression is just as important as your hand movements. Since investigating requires intense focus and scrutiny, furrow your eyebrows slightly and look intently at your hands. Make sure the digging motion with your dominant index finger is deliberate and firm, rather than just a light brush across the palm. This emphasizes the effort involved in digging up facts.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands during the sign. Remember to keep your non-dominant hand completely still, acting as a stable surface or document, while only your dominant index finger does the moving. Additionally, beginners sometimes use a flat hand instead of an isolated index finger, which can confuse the sign with 'clean' or 'paper.' Keep that index finger pointed!
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Investigate" in a Sentence
1

The police will investigate the crime.

Start by signing 'police' by tapping a 'C' handshape on your chest. Then, perform the 'investigate' sign by digging your index finger into your palm, showing the active process of looking into the situation.

2

I need to investigate that problem.

Point to yourself for 'I', then sign 'need' with a hooked 'X' handshape moving downward. Follow this with the 'investigate' sign, keeping your eyebrows furrowed to show your determination to find the answer.

3

She is investigating the history of the town.

Point to your subject for 'she', then use the 'investigate' sign with a continuous, repeated motion to show ongoing research. Finish by signing 'history' and 'town' to complete the context of her investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign as 'research'?

Yes, 'investigate' and 'research' use the exact same sign in ASL. The context of your conversation will naturally let the other person know which specific English concept you are referring to.

Should I repeat the digging motion?

Yes, repeating the scraping or digging motion a couple of times is standard. It shows that the investigation is a continuous, thorough process rather than just a quick, one-time glance.

Can I use this sign for the word 'detective'?

While a detective does investigate, the noun 'detective' usually has its own specific sign. You should use this sign specifically for the verb or action of investigating, researching, or looking into something.

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