Understand and use a varied range of verb forms, including time-frames and aspect

Identify verb types: In British Sign Language (BSL), verbs can be directional, indicating, spatial, or plain. Learning to differentiate each type is fundamental.
Master plain verbs: These are verbs that do not change their form. In BSL, they are signed in the same way, regardless of subject or object, such as ‘want’ and ‘love’.
Grasp directional verbs: These alter directionality to indicate the subject and object of an action, like ‘give’ or ‘show’.
Comprehend spatial verbs: These involve placement in space, displaying relationships between subjects and objects or communicating movement.
Grasp indicating verbs: These are used to point at individuals within the signing space to show ‘I’, ‘you’, ‘he/she/it’, etc.
Engage with aspect: This gives additional information about how an action is performed over time. It may indicate the action was continuous, repeated, or started and then stopped.
Incorporate time-frames: These are utilised to specify when an action occurred, such as past, present, or future. Remember that BSL is largely context-driven, and the specific tense may be indicated at the start of a conversation.

Present tense signing: Most BSL verbs are in present tense by default. For example, ‘I LEARN SIGN’ would be translated as ‘I am learning Sign Language’.
Past tense signing: Show an action in the past by signing the verb and then pointing behind your body.
Future tense signing: Indicate future actions by signing the verb, then signing ‘FUTURE’ or a specific time.
Consistent positioning: Ensure consistent use of spatial orientation when using directional and spatial verbs.
Emphasise aspect: Make use of BSL non-manual features, such as facial expressions and body movement, to stress the mood, duration, intensity, or repetition of actions.
Finger-spelling for exceptions: If a specific verb form is not available in BSL, use finger-spelling to indicate the verb.

Structured practice: Implement structured practice routines to ensure a broad understanding and mastery of different verb forms.
Visualising actions: Visualise different actions, scenarios and time frames to gain a comprehensive understanding of verb forms in context.
Peer interaction: Practice signing with peers to help reinforce knowledge of verb forms, aspect and time-frames.
Absorbing natural signing: Watch experienced signers or interpreters, either live or recorded. This enables a practical grasp of how verb forms are used in real-world situations.