Asking for and Giving Direction

English is practical and used as functional daily activity in real life. Asking direction is one of the expression which is very functional, especially for "stranger" in a "strange" country.

Be aware of some useful English expressions vocabulary for asking directions in English. Study how to ask for and give direction in English bellow. This material is taken from English at home

Asking for directions in English

• How do I get to your office?
• Can you tell me the best way of getting to your office?
• What's the quickest way of getting to your office?
• Where are you exactly?

Giving directions in English

• Come off the motorway / highway at Junction / Exit 12."
• It's signposted 'Manchester'."
• Follow the signs to …"
• There's a one-way system in the centre of town."
• Take the 'A12' to 'Chelmsford'."
• Go straight on / left / right at the lights / at the roundabout /at the junction of … and …"
• Go past the supermarket."
• You'll come to / see …"
• It's the first turning on the right after the bank."
• You'll see a large sign / roundabout."
• On your left you'll see an industrial centre / a hospital / the police station."
• Just after the level crossing / shopping centre (or mall)."
• Go past the petrol station / the garage."

Getting information

• Will you be coming by car or by train?"
• It's much easier if you take the train."
• Which hotel are you staying at?"

General information in English

• We're not far from…" or "We're quite close to…
• It's about a mile / kilometre / two blocks from…
• We're opposite / next to / in front of / across the road from / round the corner from the supermarket.

Final tips

• If you're giving directions over the phone, remember to speak slowly to allow the other person to write things down.
• Check that the other person has understood.
• If you're speaking face-to-face with someone, use your hands to show left, right, or straight on.
• Use "please" when you ask someone to give you directions. It's polite, and will normally get you what you want!

The dialogues bellow are about how to ask for and give direction

Dialog 1
A. Excuse me. Is there a bank near here?
B. Yes. There's a bank on the corner.
A. Thank you.
B. You're welcome

Dialog 2
A. Excuse me. Is there a supermarket near here?
B. Yes. There's one near here.
A. How do I get there?
B. At the traffic lights, take the first left and go straight on. It's on the left.
A. Is it far?
B. Not really.
A. Thank you.
B. Don't mention it.