You’re holding fork wrong – there’s two rules you should follow

An etiquette expert has shared two rules Brits should follow when holding a fork.

Brits are well-known for their politeness, whether it’s saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, apologising profusely or waiting patiently in a queue. Children from a young age are taught to have good manners and this extends to table etiquette, including how to sit and use different utensils.

William Hanson is Britain’s leading etiquette coach and expert and twice Sunday Times bestselling author. He is currently the executive director and owner of The English Manner, an etiquette and protocol coaching company offering classes in London and worldwide.

Hanson, from Bristol, is also the host of two podcasts, including The Luxury Podcast and he has amassed millions of followers on social media. He shares advice on how to display good etiquette, including a video he posted on Instagram about the correct way to hold a fork.

The etiquette expert said: “Here’s how to hold a fork. Now, when using a knife as well, the fork is held in the non-dominant hand with the tines of the fork facing the plate, the index finger stretching down the fork, stopping just before the bridge, the handle in the fleshy part of the hand.”

Hanson added that if you’re eating something like a pasta or a risotto, in this situation you can hold the fork upturned in the dominant hand. Many people will have heard of the ‘outside-in’ rule which tells you which knife, fork or spoon to use at the dinner table.

This rule guides diners to use utensils on the outside first and work their way inward with each new course that is served. According to Etiquette Scholar, there is an American and continental style of how to hold a fork.

The continental way involves holding your fork in your left hand with the tines downward and holding your knife in your left right hand, an inch or two above the plate with your index finger extended along the top of the blade.

The site instructs to use your fork to spear and lift food to your mouth and if your knife is not needed, it should remain on the table. As for the American style Etiquette Scholar states: “Hold your fork like a pencil, with the shank extended between your thumb and index and middle fingers. Your fourth and fifth fingers rest in your hand.

“For leverage, the index finger is extended along the back of the fork, as far from the tines as possible.” It advises holding the knife with the handle cupped in the palm of your left hand, along with your third, fourth and fifth fingers with your second finger placed on the back of the blade and your thump held against the side of the handle.

Hanson’s Instagram video teaching Brits how to hold a fork has amassed a staggering 2.1 million views, 37,700 likes and more than 1,2000 comments, at the time of writing. One user said: “Wish more people know this! Please don’t upturn your fold when you are holding both [a] knife and fork.”

Another pleaded: “Oh my God, can they please teach this in schools?! Why so many people these days don’t know how to use a knife and fork correctly is infuriating! Nothing more upsetting than sitting across from someone who can’t eat properly!”