How to Sign Plans

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the usual sign for PLAN uses both hands held flat, palms facing each other, with fingers pointing forward. Both hands move together sideways across the front of the body, often with a slight wave or small bumps along the way. ASL does not add an "-s" to show plurals, so "plans" is usually the same sign. Context or added signs show that you mean more than one plan.

This guide covers ASL as used in the US. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, have different signs. Regional and personal variations also exist within ASL. Treat the description here as a starting point, and check it against a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or a fluent Deaf signer.

Which meaning of "plans" do you need?

English uses "plans" for several ideas, and ASL may express each one differently. Pick the meaning first, because it changes which sign fits.

Meaning in English | Typical ASL approach

Intentions or arrangements ("my plans for the weekend") | The PLAN sign described in this guide

Planning or intending to do something ("I plan to go") | PLAN can work. Many signers instead use a sign meaning intend, or a future marker such as WILL, depending on the sentence

Drawn plans or blueprints ("building plans") | The general PLAN sign may not convey drawings. Signers often fingerspell, describe the object, or use a locally agreed sign. No verified specific sign was available for this guide

How to sign PLAN step by step

• Hold both hands open and flat, fingers together, with the thumbs alongside the hands.
• Turn the palms to face each other, with a small gap between them. Point the fingers forward, away from your body.
• Start with both hands slightly to your non-dominant side, at about chest height.
• Move both hands together sideways toward your dominant side. Keep the space between the hands roughly constant.
• Add a gentle wave or a couple of small dips as the hands travel, if that matches the version you have learned. Some signers use a smoother, straighter path.
• Stop in front of your dominant side. Pair the sign with a facial expression that fits your sentence.

If you are left-handed, mirror the movement so it travels toward your left. Either direction is acceptable as long as you sign consistently.

Showing "plans" as a plural

Because ASL does not inflect PLAN with a plural ending, signers show plurality in other ways:

• Let the context carry it, such as a weekend full of activities.
• Add a quantity sign such as MANY or a number before or after PLAN.
• Repeat the sign in different locations in the signing space to show several separate plans. This is a common ASL pluralizing strategy, though how often signers apply it to PLAN varies.

Using PLAN in common sentences

ASL grammar differs from English word order, and facial expression is part of the grammar. Below are general patterns, written in gloss. Gloss is a convention that represents signs with capitalized English words.

• "What are your plans?" might be signed as YOUR PLAN WHAT, with lowered eyebrows. Lowered brows are the standard ASL marker for questions using who, what, where, when, why or how.
• "Do you have plans?" might be signed as YOU HAVE PLAN, with raised eyebrows. Raised brows mark yes/no questions.
• "My plans changed" might be signed as MY PLAN CHANGE, with a facial expression that matches how you feel about the change.

Fluent signers may phrase these differently. Treat the patterns as illustrations, not fixed translations.

How to check that you are signing it correctly

• Compare your sign with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary. Video shows movement and rhythm better than written steps can.
• Watch yourself in a mirror, or record a short clip. Confirm that your palms face each other, your fingers point forward, and both hands travel together sideways.
• Check that the sign reads as PLAN and not a similar sign. PREPARE and some signs for arranging or putting things in order use related handshapes and movements. A fluent signer can tell you whether yours is clear.
• Ask a Deaf signer or an ASL instructor in your area. They can confirm the local form and how people there usually say "plans" in context.

A mirror or recording confirms that you are copying a reference faithfully. It does not confirm that the reference matches your local signing community, or that your sentence-level grammar is natural. Only feedback from fluent signers can confirm those things.

Limitations of this guide

No source material, video references or regional surveys were supplied for this article. The description reflects the commonly taught ASL form, not a verified account of every variant. This guide also could not confirm three points: whether PLAN has a distinct noun form separate from its verb form, which sign is preferred for architectural or engineering plans, and how widely each movement variant is used. Check these with an ASL dictionary or a qualified instructor before relying on them, especially for interpreting, teaching or formal settings.