How to Sign “Consider” in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign most often taught for “consider” uses an index finger near the forehead. The finger makes small circles there, which suggests thoughts turning over in the mind. Some signers use one hand. Others use both hands, circling alternately near each side of the forehead.

Notice the location. Many ASL signs about thinking are made at the forehead, so the forehead placement helps link this sign to mental activity.

Which meaning of “consider” do you need?

ASL is a separate language with its own grammar. It does not translate English word for word. The sign you choose depends on what you mean by “consider”:

• Thinking something over or reflecting on it: use the circling-at-the-forehead sign described above.
• Weighing two or more options against each other: signers often show this with both hands held palm up, moving up and down alternately like the pans of a balance scale.
• Regarding someone or something as a certain thing, as in “I consider her a friend”: this is usually expressed with signs such as THINK or FEEL, or through sentence structure, rather than with a single “consider” sign.
• Being considerate of others: this is a different idea and needs a different sign or phrasing.

Step-by-step: the circling “consider” sign

• Extend the index finger of your dominant hand and curl the other fingers in.
• Raise the hand so the fingertip is close to your forehead or temple, without pressing into it.
• Move the fingertip in a few small, relaxed circles.
• For the two-handed version, do the same with both index fingers, circling alternately.
• Add a thoughtful facial expression, such as slightly narrowed eyes or a pondering look. In ASL, facial expression carries part of the meaning.

How to check that you’re signing it correctly

Watch yourself in a mirror and check three things. Your handshape should be an extended index finger. The sign should be near your forehead, not your chin or chest. The circles should be small and controlled, not large and sweeping.

A mirror can confirm handshape and location. It cannot tell you whether your movement, rhythm or facial expression look natural to a fluent signer, or whether this version is the one used in your local community. To check those points, compare your signing with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary, or ask a Deaf signer or a qualified ASL instructor.

Limitations of this guide

No specific source material was supplied for this article. The descriptions above reflect commonly taught forms and have not been checked against a particular ASL dictionary or instructor. ASL has regional and generational variation, so the details you see elsewhere may differ.

This guide covers ASL as used in the United States. Other sign languages use different signs for this idea, including British Sign Language, which is unrelated to ASL. If you are communicating with someone who uses another sign language, learn the sign from that language’s resources instead.