How To Sign Are In Sign Language

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to sign “are” in sign language? Whether you’re just starting to explore American Sign Language (ASL) or you need a quick refresher for a conversation, understanding the subtle handshape, movement, and facial expression that convey the verb “to be” in its present‑tense form is essential. In this guide we’ll break down the mechanics, provide clear step‑by‑step instructions, showcase real‑world examples, and address common misconceptions—all while keeping the explanation approachable for beginners and SEO‑friendly for search engines. By the end of this article you’ll not only know the exact sign for “are,” but you’ll also feel confident using it in everyday sentences.

Detailed Explanation

The English word “are” functions as the plural present‑tense form of the verb to be. In ASL, however, there isn’t a one‑to‑one sign for every English auxiliary verb. Instead, ASL relies on a set of be‑signs that convey existence, identity, or state, and the specific sign you use depends on context, subject agreement, and facial grammar. The most common sign that maps to “are” is the “BE” sign, executed with a flat hand (palm down) that moves slightly forward and upward while the eyebrows are raised, indicating a present‑tense statement about a plural subject The details matter here..

It’s important to note that ASL does not have a separate sign for every English auxiliary; rather, the language uses subject‑verb agreement through handshape and facial expression. When you sign “are” for a plural subject (e.g.Consider this: , they are), you combine the BE sign with a plural indicator—usually a small circular motion of the fingertips or a repeated tapping motion that signals more than one entity. This nuanced use of grammar is what makes ASL both expressive and precise, and mastering it requires attention to three core components: handshape, movement, and facial expression.

Real talk — this step gets skipped all the time.

From a linguistic standpoint, the sign for “are” is part of the broader copular system in ASL, which links a subject to a predicate adjective, noun, or phrase. Unlike English, where “are” is a separate word, ASL often omits the copula entirely when context makes it clear. That said, when emphasis or clarity is needed, the BE sign is employed, and its modulation (speed, intensity, and accompanying facial cues) can convey subtle shades of meaning such as surprise, certainty, or emphasis.

Step‑by‑Step or Concept Breakdown

Below is a concise, step‑by‑step guide to producing the sign “are” in ASL. Follow each step carefully, then practice in front of a mirror or with a partner who can give feedback.

1. Prepare the Handshape

   • Extend your dominant hand and keep the palm facing down.
   • Join the fingers together, forming a flat, slightly curved surface (resembling a small board).
   • Bold this handshape as the foundation for the BE sign.

2. Position the Hand

   • Place the hand near your forehead or chin, depending on the regional variation you prefer.
   • The starting position is not rigid; many signers start near the chest and move upward.

3. Execute the Movement

   • Gently slide the hand forward and upward in a smooth arc, as if you were drawing a shallow “U” shape in the air.
   • The motion should be fluid, not jerky, and typically lasts about one second.

4. Add Facial Grammar

   • Raise your eyebrows slightly to signal a present‑tense statement.
   • If you are signing about a plural subject, add a plural marker: tap the fingertips of the same hand against the opposite forearm twice, or use a small circular motion with the fingertips.

5. Combine with Subject Indicator (Optional)

   • To specify they are, you may first sign the pronoun THEY (index and middle finger extended, palm facing you, moving side‑to‑side).
   • Follow immediately with the BE sign described above. This sequence makes the agreement explicit.

6. Practice in Context

   • Use simple sentences such as “THEY ARE HERE” or “WE ARE READY.”
   • Start slowly, then increase speed while maintaining clear handshape and facial expression.

By breaking the sign into these manageable components, you can avoid common pitfalls and develop a consistent, recognizable “are” sign And it works..

Real Examples

To see the sign in action, consider the following scenarios and how the “are” sign fits naturally into ASL sentences.

• Example 1: “THEY ARE FRIENDS.”

  1. Sign THEY (index and middle finger moving side‑to‑side).
  2. Follow with the BE sign (flat hand moving upward).
  3. Finish with FRIENDS (two thumbs forming a “V” shape moving together).
     This sentence demonstrates how the verb “are” links the subject to a noun describing a relationship.

• Example 2: “WE ARE EXCITED.”

  1. Sign WE (open hand moving from chest outward).
  2. Add the BE sign with an upward arc.
  3. End with EXCITED (fingers tapping the chest repeatedly).
     Here, the facial expression of raised eyebrows reinforces the present‑tense meaning.

• Example 3: “THE BOOKS ARE ON THE TABLE.”

  1. Sign THE BOOKS (use a classifier handshape to represent multiple flat objects).
  2. Use the BE sign, adding a plural marker (double tap on the forearm).
  3. Sign ON THE TABLE (hand moving onto a flat surface).
     This longer sentence shows how “

• Example 3 (continued): “THE BOOKS ARE ON THE TABLE.”

  1. Sign THE BOOKS (classifier 3‑handshape, fingers spread, moving downward to indicate multiple books).
  2. Add the BE sign, including the plural marker (double tap on the opposite forearm).
  3. Sign ON THE TABLE (flat hand moving from the chest to a level that represents the tabletop).
     This longer sentence illustrates how the “are” sign sits between subject and location, maintaining the fluidity of the overall structure.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Practice Routine

1. Mirror Work – Watch a native signer in a video, then mimic the movement in front of a mirror.
2. Sentence Drills – Create a list of 10 subject‑verb‑object sentences that use “are” (e.g., “THEY ARE PLAYERS.”, “WE ARE IMPORTANT.”).
3. Speed Variation – Sign each sentence at a slow pace, then at conversational speed, ensuring clarity at both tempos.
4. Feedback Loop – Record yourself and compare with a reference video or ask a fluent signer for critique.

By integrating these steps into your daily study, the “are” sign will become a seamless part of your signing repertoire.

Conclusion

Mastering the “are” sign in American Sign Language is more than learning a single movement; it’s about understanding how this verb functions as a bridge between subjects and descriptors—whether nouns, adjectives, or locations. By focusing on the handshape, motion, facial expression, and optional plural marker, you can convey present‑tense statements with precision and natural rhythm. Consistent practice, mindful attention to detail, and exposure to authentic signing contexts will solidify your command of this essential verb, enabling you to communicate fluidly in everyday conversations and complex narratives alike. Happy signing!

Beyond the basic subject‑verb‑object pattern, the “are” sign can be adapted to convey nuanced meanings that appear in everyday conversation and storytelling. Understanding these variations will help you sound more natural and give you the flexibility to express abstract ideas, ongoing states, and emphatic statements.

Using “ARE” with Adjectives and States

When describing a condition or quality, the sign often follows the adjective directly, with a slight pause to let the facial grammar convey the temporal aspect. For example:

• THEY ARE TIRED – Sign THEY (pointing outward), then TIRED (hand brushing down the cheek), and finish with the ARE motion low and smooth.
• WE ARE EXCITED – Begin with WE (flat hand tapping chest), move to EXCITED (hands fluttering upward from the chest), and close with the ARE sign.

In these constructions, the eyebrow raise that accompanies the ARE signal reinforces the present‑tense interpretation, while a relaxed brow can shift the meaning toward a habitual state (“they tend to be tired”) No workaround needed..

Expressing Ongoing Actions with Progressive Aspect

Although ASL does not have a direct equivalent of the English progressive “‑ing,” the ARE sign can combine with a motion‑rich verb to suggest an action in progress:

• THEY ARE RUNNING – Sign THEY, then the RUN classifier (both hands mimicking legs moving forward), and finish with the ARE sign. The fluid transition from the verb classifier to the ARE marker creates a sense of continuity.
• WE ARE STUDYING – Sign WE, then the STUDY sign (open palm tapping the forehead), followed by the ARE sign.

When you want to stress that the activity is happening right now, add a slight forward thrust with the ARE motion and a more pronounced eyebrow lift Worth keeping that in mind..

Adding Emphasis or Contrast

For contrastive focus — such as correcting a misconception — signers often exaggerate the ARE movement and pair it with a head nod or shake:

• THEY ARE NOT LATE – Sign THEY, then LATE (hand moving backward from the wrist), shake the head slightly, and produce a crisp, slightly sharper ARE sign (a quick, downward tap rather than a long arc).
• WE ARE THE WINNERS – Sign WE, then WINNER (thumb tapping chest twice), nod emphatically, and deliver a strong, deliberate ARE sign.

These modifications signal that the speaker is highlighting the truth of the statement against an alternative possibility.

Regional and Stylistic Variations

While the core form described earlier is widely understood across the United States, some signers incorporate subtle regional touches:

• In certain Northeastern communities, the ARE sign may start with a relaxed “flat‑O” handshape that opens into a “bent‑B” as it moves downward, giving a softer visual flow.
• On the West Coast, some signers add a tiny circular wiggle at the end of the arc to mark plurality

Refining the Temporal Nuances with Other “BE” Verbs

While ARE is the workhorse for present‑tense statements, ASL also employs IS, WAS, and WERE to map past and present moments. The facial patterns that accompany ARE—the raised eyebrows and soft eye focus—often transfer to IS for immediate identification (e.g., “She IS a teacher”). For past reference, WAS typically pairs with a lowered eyebrow and a more pronounced head tilt, signaling that the state no longer holds (e.g., “He WAS angry”). WERE adds a plural element; the eyebrows remain lifted, but the head may nod to indicate multiple individuals (e.g., “They WERE waiting”) No workaround needed..

Future‑Oriented Constructions

ASL does not have a single “future” auxiliary, but signers convey futurity through BE + GOING‑TO or WILL plus a classifier or verb Most people skip this — try not to..

• She WILL study – SHE, then WILL (a forward thrust of the open hand), followed by STUDY (palm to forehead). The forward motion of WILL signals anticipation, often accompanied by a slight smile.
• We ARE GOING TO run – WE, ARE, then GOING‑TO (both hands moving forward from the chest), and finally the RUN classifier. The combination of ARE and GOING‑TO creates a layered sense of imminent action.

When emphasizing immediacy, signers may add a quick upward flick of the chin with GOING‑TO, reinforcing that the event is about to happen now.

Expressing Negativity and Doubts

Negation in ASL often hinges on the NOT sign, which can be placed before, after, or even integrated with ARE Which is the point..

• They ARE NOT hungry – THEY, ARE, NOT (a shake of the dominant hand), then HUNGRY (hand to stomach). The eyebrows stay neutral, avoiding the lifted‑brow cue that would imply a positive assertion.
• She ISn’t coming – SHE, ISn’t (a quick NOT motion combined with IS), then COMING (forward hand movement). The slight head shake with ISn’t underscores the denial.

For contrastive negation (e.Worth adding: g. , correcting a misconception), the NOT sign is often exaggerated and paired with a head shake, while the ARE sign becomes sharper, as described earlier.

Habitual, Perfect, and emphatic Uses

• Habitual aspect – A relaxed brow and a slower, more deliberate ARE arc can indicate a repeated or characteristic state: “They ARE lazy” (meaning “they tend to be lazy”). The hand shape may stay in a flat‑O throughout, without the crisp downward tap.
• Present perfect – “She HAS finished” uses HAS (a quick upward flick) followed by the verb. The eyebrows are slightly raised, but not as high as with ARE, to show that the action’s relevance extends to the present.
• Emphatic present – For strong insistence, signers may repeat ARE twice, each time with a more pronounced eyebrow lift and a slight forward thrust. This pattern is common in responses to doubts: “Yes, they ARE ARE ready.”

Advanced Facial Grammar Tips

1. Micro‑eyebrow lifts (a barely perceptible raise) can signal uncertainty or a tentative statement, softening the assertion of ARE.
2. Eye focus – Maintaining a soft, distant gaze while signing

eye contact with the person being addressed helps establish a connection, while briefly looking away during NOT or WILL can signal internal deliberation or emotional distance. Skilled signers use these subtle shifts to guide the listener's attention and emotional response.

2. Head tilts paired with ARE can soften a statement into a question. Take this: tilting the head slightly forward while signing ARE before a noun phrase turns a declarative into an inquiry: "They ARE coming?" The tilt must be gentle; an exaggerated tilt can come across as mocking or dismissive Small thing, real impact..

3. Lip patterns – Although ASL is a visual language, mouth movements (called "mouth morphemes") often accompany ARE constructions. A slight pucker or pursed lips during ARE can convey doubt or sarcasm, while relaxed, natural mouthing supports a straightforward statement. These mouth movements are not simultaneous speech but rather an additional layer of grammatical information.

4. Timing and pause placement – Inserting a brief pause before ARE in a long sentence can highlight the copular relationship, drawing the listener's focus to the subject‑verb connection. Conversely, signing ARE without pause creates a flowing, confident assertion.

Putting It All Together

Mastering ARE in ASL is not simply about producing the correct hand shape or movement. It requires an integrated awareness of facial grammar, body positioning, eye gaze, and contextual nuance. Consider this short narrative:

THEY (look away briefly, slight head tilt) ARE (sharp downward arc, raised brows) READY (both hands thrust forward). Then a pause, a relaxed brow, and WE ARE GOING TO leave (both hands moving forward from the chest).

In this sequence, the signer first asserts with confidence, then transitions to a future plan with a shift in body orientation and a softer expression. The contrast between the sharp ARE and the flowing GOING‑TO communicates both the certainty of the present state and the anticipation of the upcoming action Nothing fancy..

Final Thoughts

The verb ARE in ASL is far more than a simple linking word. It is a grammatical tool shaped by the body, the face, and the flow of conversation. Whether used to state a fact, deny a claim, express a habitual trait, or stress an emphatic point, ARE carries layers of meaning that extend well beyond its physical form. For learners and fluent signers alike, understanding these nuances opens the door to richer, more natural communication — one where every tilt of the head, every flick of the brow, and every arc of the hand tells part of the story.