Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

What do you mean "Raise your hands!"

(1) Does "Raise your hands!" mean both "Raise your right hand!" and "Raise your right hand!"?

(2) Does "Raise your hands!" mean either "Raise your right hand!" or "Raise your left hand!"?

(3) Does "Raise your hands!" mean "Raise your right hand!"?

(4) Does "Raise your hands!" mean "Raise your left hand!"?

In addition, do you find any differences between "Raise your hands!" and "Raise your hand!"?

[CP]

"Raise your hand / hands if you've ever seen a giraffe." This means that each student who has seen a giraffe should put one hand into the air. The teacher can count the number of hands, or call on one of the students, etc. It makes no difference whether the student raises the right or left hand, unless the teacher says, "Raise your right hand if . . . ."
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[learner12]

Dear CP:

Thank you so much. I understand what you wrote well. But may I ask one more question? Why do you use "Raise your hands"? I mean, s of "hands" is a plural sign, so I think that "hands" indicate both a right hand and a left hand. Therefore, I think "Raise your hands" means "Raise your both hands." Do native English speakers make judgements from the situation and context?

Thank you again for your help.

[CP]

Right, the s means plural. Most teachers probably say, "Raise your hand . . . ," as though speaking to each student individually, although actually addressing the entire class. However, sometimes they say "hands," which is why I wrote it both ways. I think it is best to stick with the singular, because only one hand need be raised by any given student.

Sometimes you hear it this way: "Let me see a show of hands of all the people who have ever ridden an elephant." Or: "Has anyone ever ridden an elephant? Hands." Then the plural is correct.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[learner12]

Dear CP:

Thank you for your super explanation.

I express my deepest gratitude.

Have a nice day!!