ASL Sentence Structures

Why This Matters

ASL sentence structures aren't just grammar rules to memorize—they're the foundation of how meaning gets built in a visual language. You're being tested on your ability to recognize why ASL organizes information differently than English, how non-manual markers (facial expressions, body positioning) work alongside signs, and when to use each structure for maximum clarity. Understanding these patterns will help you both produce grammatically correct ASL and comprehend native signers more fluently.

Think of ASL structure as a toolkit: Topic-Comment establishes context, spatial agreement creates visual clarity, and non-manual markers add grammatical meaning that English conveys through word order or tone. Don't just memorize which structure is which—know what each one accomplishes and when you'd choose it over another. That's what separates basic recognition from real communicative competence.

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Establishing Context First

ASL prioritizes setting the scene before delivering the main information. This visual-spatial approach mirrors how we naturally process visual information—background first, then focus.

Topic-Comment Structure

• Topic comes first, comment follows—the signer establishes what they're talking about before saying anything about it
• Raised eyebrows mark the topic—this non-manual marker signals "here's what we're discussing" before the comment portion
• Flexibility in emphasis allows signers to foreground whatever information matters most to the conversation

Time-Subject-Object-Verb (TSOV) Structure

• Time indicators open the sentence—establishing when before who or what grounds the entire message temporally
• Differs from English word order where time often appears at the end ("I went to the store yesterday")
• Essential for narrative clarity since ASL doesn't use verb tense markers the way English does

Topicalization

• Moves any element to sentence-initial position for emphasis—not just subjects, but objects or locations too
• Eyebrow raise and slight pause separate the topicalized element from the rest of the sentence
• Shifts conversational focus strategically, allowing nuanced control over what information gets highlighted

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Basic Declarative Structures

These structures handle straightforward statements and mirror some English patterns, making them accessible entry points for learners. However, don't assume ASL always follows English order—flexibility is built into the grammar.

Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) Structure

• Follows English-like word order—GIRL THROW BALL reads naturally to English speakers
• Common but not required—ASL permits variation based on context and emphasis
• Provides clarity for simple statements where no special emphasis or context-setting is needed

Negation Structure

• Headshake accompanies or replaces negative signs—the non-manual marker is grammatically essential, not optional
• Sign placement varies—NOT can appear before the verb, after it, or the headshake alone can negate
• Critical for correction and clarification—mastering negation prevents misunderstandings in real conversations

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Question Structures

ASL distinguishes question types through non-manual markers as much as through sign choice. Facial grammar carries grammatical weight that English conveys through word order and intonation.

Yes/No Question Structure

• Raised eyebrows throughout the question—this non-manual marker is grammatically required, not just expressive
• Word order often matches statements—YOU LIKE COFFEE with raised eyebrows becomes a question
• Final hold or lean forward signals you're awaiting a response

Wh-Question Structure

• Furrowed brows and forward lean—the opposite eyebrow position from yes/no questions
• Question sign typically appears at the end—WHERE YOU GO? or YOU GO WHERE? are both grammatical
• Requires specific information in response, not just confirmation or denial

Rhetorical Question Structure

• Raised eyebrows like yes/no questions, but signer answers immediately—no pause for response
• Functions as emphasis or explanation—"WHY ME LATE? TRAFFIC" explains rather than asks
• Engages the audience by creating a conversational rhythm even in monologue

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Complex and Conditional Structures

These structures handle hypotheticals, relationships, and multi-part ideas. Mastering them moves you from basic sentences to sophisticated ASL discourse.

Conditional Sentences

• "If" clause uses raised eyebrows and head tilt—the conditional marker appears before the consequence
• Structured as CONDITION + RESULT—IF RAIN, I STAY HOME follows Topic-Comment logic
• Essential for discussing possibilities—hypotheticals, plans, and cause-effect relationships all rely on this structure

Spatial Agreement

• Signing space becomes a map—locations established for people, places, or things remain consistent throughout discourse
• Verb directionality shows relationships—GIVE moves from giver's location to receiver's location in space
• Pronouns point to established locations—once you've placed "mom" on your left, pointing left means "mom"

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Quick Reference Table

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Self-Check Questions

1. Which two structures both use raised eyebrows but serve different grammatical purposes? How would you distinguish them in conversation?

2. If you wanted to emphasize when something happened before explaining what happened, which structure would you use, and why does ASL prioritize this order?

3. Compare and contrast Yes/No Questions and Wh-Questions: what non-manual markers distinguish them, and why might ASL use opposite facial expressions for these?

4. A signer establishes "teacher" on their right and "student" on their left, then signs GIVE moving right-to-left. Who gave what to whom? Which structure makes this clear?

5. You want to explain why you missed class by posing a question and immediately answering it yourself. Which structure accomplishes this, and what non-manual markers would you use?