Below is some of the grammar information that makes ASL different from English. This is not a complete list, but for our purposes we will use these.
English words that don’t exist in ASL
There are several words in English that don’t exist in ASL. They are not necessary.
The
Is
Was
Were
of
a
an
been
or (sometimes and we will talk about what to do)
It (sometimes and we will talk about what to do)
WH questions (who, what, why, where, when, how, which)
The whq is generally signed at the end of the question. Lower your eyebrows, lean forward and hold the last sign
Examples
English ASL
Where are you learning sign? you learn sign where
How are you? you how
Who is your best friend? your best friend who
I don't know which I want to do first, go home First I go store then home, which
or go to the store.
Time (Future, past)
It is always assumed that you are signing in the present tense unless you state otherwise. If you are talking about a different time, that is at the beginning of the sentence.
Examples
English ASL
I am going to the store tomorrow. tomorrow store I go
The test is next week. next week test
My birthday was last month last month my birthday
Subject
The subject (or what the sentence is about) goes at the beginning of the sentence. Here is the general order of sentences.
Time (if applicable), subject, the other info, WH? (if applicable)
Examples
English ASL
I need to go to the store Store I need go
Will you help me practice practice (you help me?)
Do you play baseball baseball you play?
You can also use this guide