How to Sign "To Do"
To sign 'to do,' start with both hands in 'C' handshapes in front of your body, with your palms facing down. Keep your hands a few inches apart. Then, swing both hands side to side simultaneously a couple of times.
Examples Using "To Do" in a Sentence
1
I have a lot to do today.
Sign 'I', 'HAVE', 'A-LOT', and then use the 'to do' sign by swinging your 'C' handshapes side to side. Finish by signing 'TODAY'.
2
What do you want to do?
Sign 'YOU', 'WANT', and then 'to do' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question. Keep the side-to-side motion of the 'C' hands smooth.
3
It is the right thing to do.
Sign 'RIGHT' (as in correct), 'THING', and finish with the 'to do' sign, keeping your movements clear and deliberate to emphasize the action.
How to Sign "To Do"
To sign 'to do,' start with both hands in 'C' handshapes in front of your body, with your palms facing down. Keep your hands a few inches apart. Then, swing both hands side to side simultaneously a couple of times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The 'C' handshapes moving side to side visually represent the bustling activity of handling various tasks. The sweeping motion conveys a sense of ongoing action, behavior, or carrying out multiple activities in your physical space.
Signing Tips
Keep your wrists relatively relaxed but maintain a firm 'C' shape with your fingers and thumbs. Ensure both hands move in the exact same direction at the same time (parallel movement). The motion should come mostly from your arms and wrists swinging together.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is moving the hands in opposite directions, which can look like you are steering a large wheel or mixing something. Make sure both hands swing left and right together. Additionally, avoid flattening your hands; the 'C' handshape is crucial for this sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "To Do" in a Sentence
1I have a lot to do today.
Sign 'I', 'HAVE', 'A-LOT', and then use the 'to do' sign by swinging your 'C' handshapes side to side. Finish by signing 'TODAY'.
2What do you want to do?
Sign 'YOU', 'WANT', and then 'to do' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question. Keep the side-to-side motion of the 'C' hands smooth.
3It is the right thing to do.
Sign 'RIGHT' (as in correct), 'THING', and finish with the 'to do' sign, keeping your movements clear and deliberate to emphasize the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign used for 'What are you doing?'
Not always! While this sign means 'to do' or 'action,' the specific phrase 'What are you doing?' is often signed using a lexicalized version where you pinch your index fingers and thumbs together twice, representing the letters D-O.
Can I use this sign to mean 'behavior'?
Yes, absolutely! This exact sign, with the 'C' handshapes moving side to side, is also the standard ASL sign for 'behavior' or 'action.' The context of your sentence will make the specific English translation clear.
Should my hands move together or in opposite directions?
Your hands should move together in the same direction at the exact same time. If you move them in opposite directions, it changes the visual meaning and might look like a completely different action.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!