Asking and Giving Directions in English

Asking for and giving directions is very easy with these useful English prhases and expressions.

Of course, in this day and age many of us prefer to use sat nav or some sort of an app to help us find direction in an unknown place. But as it often happens with technology, even the most sophisticated Β satellite-navigation system could suffer a network outage.

Scroll down to watch my English video lesson on How to Ask for and Give directions in English.

How to Give Directions in English

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Being in a strange city or country without directions is very difficult. Understanding the directionsΒ you are given or even finding a person able to offer you directions can be even more of a challenge.Β Here are some common English phrases and words used when GIVING DIRECTIONSΒ in English and alsoΒ words and phrases useful when ASKING for DIRECTIONS.

Intermediate to Advanced English Marathon

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Giving Directions in English

I get asked by strangers for directions at least twice a week (two times a week). I am not sure why peopleΒ think I know where every thing is located but even when I have been visiting an unknown city to me IΒ still, strangely, get asked. When I know the city and know the location of where the “stranger”Β wishes to go (to get to) I try and make my directions as clear as possible. Here is a sample of the common phrases you can use to give directions in English:

  1. CARRY STRAIGHT ON – this means to continue walking or driving in the same direction. Usually you indicate with your arm or hand.
  2. KEEP TO YOUR LEFT/RIGHT– This means that you shouldn’t change direction or cross the street.

ForΒ example, as you walk along the street keep to your left/right.

  1. WHEN YOU GET/COME TOΒ – This means when you arrive at a particular place identified (roundabout,Β traffic lights, crossroads, etc) you have to change direction.

For example, carry on straightΒ [1]Β along thisΒ road , keep to your leftΒ [2] when you get toΒ [3] the traffic lights turn left/right.

  1. HANG A RIGHT/LEFT– Slang word or phrase to mean take a right or left turn.

For example, when youΒ get to the traffic lights hang a right (take the turning right).

  1. LOOK/WATCH OUT FORΒ – this usually means to try and identify a certain landmark (important building)Β like a church or statue, something that is noticeable.

For example: Carry straight onΒ [ 1] along thisΒ road, keep to your leftΒ [ 2] when you come toΒ [3] the roundabout, take/hang a leftΒ [4] at the roundabout and look out forΒ [5]Β the large statue of the Soldier.Β  You should then see your hotel on theΒ  left/right.

Giving directions requires the use of many different prepositions. The common or frequently usedΒ prepositions in English are:

ALONGΒ – walk/drive along this street
NEXT TOΒ – next to the cafΓ© you will see yourΒ building
AFTERΒ – after the traffic lights continue for
NEAR TOΒ – the place you require is near to orΒ besides or next to…
ACROSSΒ – cross over or across means walk across the road, street etc

Let’s look at some examples of how we can use different prepositions to give directions in English:

ALONGΒ – Please walk along the street in that direction.
NEXT TOΒ – When you walk along the street you will see a church. It is next to (beside) the ABC Bank.
AFTERΒ – When you pass the bank you will see a DIY shop. After that (the next shop)Β  is the post office.Β You will find what you need there.
NEAR TOΒ – The post office is near to the city centre.
ACROSSΒ – When you get to the post office you will see the Government office across the street (on the opposite side).

Asking for Directions in English

Asking for directions is certainly the most difficult of these two tasks. Asking a stranger .for help is never easy evenΒ when you speak the same language. But it is significantly more difficult when you are trying to ask inΒ his native tongue (English language). Today GPS is available on all our mobileΒ phones but people still like to ask either because they have no signal, no power (battery charge) orΒ simply they just want to practice their English.

There are certain words and expressions in English that you can use to make it easier for you to beΒ understood.Β  These are often indirect questions which are more polite and more likely to give aΒ positive result.

Here are some key opening phrases (initial or phrases to begin with) for you to use when asking for directions in English:

  • Excuse me
  • May I disturb you
  • Sorry for disturbing you
  • Could you help me…

2nd part of the phrase or question:

  • I was wondering if you could…
  • I am looking for…
  • But could you direct me to…
  • Find my way please…

Asking for Directions in English - Video Lesson

Let’s put them in to a full question or request and practise asking for directions in English:

Excuse me, I was wondering if you could give me some help…

or

Excuse me sir/madam, I wasΒ wondering if you could kindly assist me …

I am looking for some directions to my hotel/the city centre.Β Would you be so kind as to help me?

Sorry for disturbing (sorry to disturb you), but could you direct me to the nearest bank/hotel/police station?

Could you please help me to find my way to the airport/the city centre/ the conference centre.

There are indeed many other English phrases and words and word combinations which can also be used. The
secret ingredient is always to be politeΒ  – Excuse me, Sorry to disturb you, Would you mind kindly…

And of course when the advice has been given and the directions have been understood do notΒ forget to offer your thanks. British people use PleaseΒ and Thank youΒ a lot. They also expect to hearΒ it fronm you when they provide help such as in the situation of giving directions.

Common ways to offer your thanks in English are:

  • Thank you
  • Thank you so much for your help
  • I am really grateful, you have been a great help

I also have a short video lesson about Asking for Directions in English. Please watch and listen to the pronunciation of English words and phrases:

More Information

If you like to improve your English vocabulary further, check out my other posts:

English Expressions about Success

Asking for a Refund in English

Compound words in English

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