How to Express "Is" in Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the main sign language used in the US, the word "is" usually has no sign. ASL conveys the same meaning through word order, facial expression and context. "The sky is blue" is typically signed as SKY BLUE. (Capitalized English words are a common way to write individual signs; this written form is called gloss.)

A separate sign for IS does exist. It comes from English-based signing systems, such as Signed Exact English (SEE), which add signs for English grammar words. Some people also use it in contact signing, which mixes ASL signs with English word order. Which answer applies depends on your situation. When communicating with Deaf people who use ASL, it is usually more natural to leave "is" out. When following an English-based system, such as in some school settings, the IS sign is expected.

This guide covers American signing only. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, have their own grammar and vocabulary. Signs also vary by region and community, so check any sign with a fluent signer or a reputable ASL dictionary that shows video.

How ASL shows the meaning of "is"

English uses "is" in several different ways, and ASL handles each one differently. The common patterns are below. Treat them as general guidance, not fixed translations.

English sentence | Common ASL approach | What carries the meaning

The sky is blue. | SKY BLUE | Placing the description next to the topic

My brother is a teacher. | MY BROTHER TEACHER | Topic followed by a comment about it

Is she home? | SHE HOME? | Raised eyebrows and a slight forward head tilt mark a yes/no question

There is a dog outside. | OUTSIDE HAVE DOG, or pointing to the location | HAVE, or pointing to a location, expresses that something exists

It really is true. | TRUE, often with a firm nod | The sign TRUE and the head nod add emphasis

He is running. | HE RUN, with context or a modified movement | Time and ongoing action come from context or how the verb is moved

Facial expression is part of the grammar in these examples, not an extra. If you sign SHE HOME without raised eyebrows, it reads as a statement rather than a question.

How to make the English-based IS sign

Use these steps if you need IS as a separate sign. They describe a right-handed signer. Left-handed signers can mirror everything.

• Form the letter I with your dominant hand: make a loose fist and raise only your little finger straight up. Keep your thumb resting across the curled fingers, not sticking out.
• Turn your palm so it faces to the left, toward your other side.
• Touch the tip of your little finger to your chin, just below your lower lip.
• Move your hand straight forward, away from your mouth, in one short, smooth motion. Do not twist, arc or repeat it.

The forward movement from the chin is shared by a family of related signs. They differ only in handshape: A for AM, R for ARE and B for BE. The handshape therefore carries the meaning. This movement also resembles the ASL sign TRUE, which uses the index finger, so a sloppy handshape can change which word you appear to sign.

How to check that you signed it correctly

• Handshape: Only the little finger is extended. If your thumb sticks out, the shape becomes Y. If your little finger hooks or curves through the air, it reads as J.
• Start position: Your fingertip begins at the chin, not at the cheek or forehead.
• Movement: The motion is a single straight push forward, with no circle or wiggle.
• Comparison: Watch a video of the sign in a reputable ASL dictionary, side by side with your own attempt in a mirror. Then check that the handshape, starting point and direction all match.
• Feedback: Ask a fluent signer or a Deaf ASL instructor whether IS suits your context, or whether they would simply leave it out.

A mirror check confirms that you produce the shape and movement accurately. It cannot tell you whether a fluent signer would actually use IS in that sentence. Only feedback from someone who uses the language can confirm that.

Limitations of this guide

No specific dictionary entries, studies or regional surveys were provided for this article. The descriptions above reflect widely taught conventions, not verified source material. Handshape details, regional variants and the use of IS in different school or community settings can vary. For anything important, such as coursework, interpreting or teaching a child, confirm the sign with a qualified instructor or an established ASL reference.