How to Follow Fork Etiquette

Using proper fork etiquette is an important part of practicing good table manners. The rules of proper fork etiquette, however, vary depending on where you are. In the U.S., American etiquette style is used. In most other Western countries, including European and South American countries, the Continental etiquette style is dominant.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Follow the American Style

1. Hold the fork in your left hand with the tines pointing downward and the knife in your right hand when cutting a piece of food.

2. Use the index finger on your left hand to put pressure on the neck of the fork, and place the index finger on your right hand over the top of the blade of the knife.

3. Put your knife down and rest the tip of the knife on the edge of your plate.

4. Switch your fork to your right hand, and hold it between your thumb and index finger with the tines pointing up. The handle of the fork should rest on the knuckle of your middle finger. Use your fork to either stab the food or scoop it onto the fork.

5. Return your fork back to your left hand and pick up your knife with your right hand to cut another piece of food.

Follow the Continental Style

6. Hold the fork in your left hand with the tines pointing downwards and the knife in your right hand throughout most of the meal.

7. Use your fork in the left hand with the tines pointing down to pick up food.

8. Put down your knife and turn the tines up to scoop up foods like peas. If you are left-handed, you can keep the fork in your left hand. Otherwise, you can switch it to the right hand.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure about which style of table manners you should follow in a particular location, take your cue from the locals. There are some areas in the U.S. where Continental-style etiquette is acceptable.
• Whichever hand is dominant should hold the fork when picking up food in the American style. It's not necessary to switch the fork to the right hand if you are left-handed, but you should turn it over so the tines face upwards.
• If you find it too hard to follow the etiquette style of the region you are in, it's probably fine to revert to the style with which you are the most comfortable. In the grand scheme of table manners, improper fork etiquette is a small impropriety.
• Avoid cutting more than one piece at a time, no matter what type of etiquette style you follow.
• Never grasp your fork with a downward-facing palm. This is extremely improper.