Word List Offer “Ballpark Figures” (rough estimates of time or

Asking for and Giving Directions length of travel)

How do I get to …? Some people feel better knowing how long it will take to
What's the best way to …? get from A to B.
Where is …?
Go straight on (until you come to …). It’s just around the corner (not far).
Turn back./Go back. It’s not far.
Turn left/right (into …-street). It’s a bit of a way. (it takes a while)
Go along … It’s about a five minute walk.
Cross … It’s about a twenty minute bus ride.
Take the first/second road on the left/right
It's on the left/right.
Use landmarks
straight on Tell the person what to watch for.
opposite
You will see a large clock on the right.
near You will pass a gas station.
next to It’s across from the blue church.
between
at the end (of) More useful language
on/at the corner It’s on + street name
It’s across from
behind It’s opposite
in front of It’s near
(just) around the corner It’s around the corner from
traffic lights
crossroads, junction Offer warnings
Stay in the right lane.
signpost It’s a very busy road.
You know how to ASK for directions, but what happens It’s a big hill. (if they are walking or on a bike)
when an English speaker asks YOU for directions. This is There might be construction.
not a time for small talk. Give only basic directions with If you pass the … you went too far.
short phrases. Do the best you can. There’s no parking.

Questions you may hear

How do I get to Main Street? Repeat yourself
Where is the closest gas station? If YOU repeat the directions again, the other person will
Can you tell me where the community centre is? feel more confident. Repeat important details including
I’m looking for Jane Street. street names and turns. You can also ask the other person to
Are you from around here? repeat the directions back to you.

If you know the way… If you are in the car with the driver…
Use basic English to offer directions. Short phrases are Give a lot of warning.
best. Speak slowly and use very careful pronunciation.
Spell out a word if necessary. Turn right at the next street
Get in the left lane.
The easiest way is to… Go one more block. Then turn right.
The quickest way is to… At the next traffic lights turn…
The best way is to… It’s going to be on your right.

go + direction (right, left, down, up, through) Clarify

take + road name Make sure that the other person understood your directions.
turn + right/left Say: “Did you get all that?”
stay on + road name for + distance or time
If you don’t know the way…
Examples: Don’t guess! Don’t just shake your head and walk away.
The easiest way is to go right on Commercial Avenue. Use one of these phrases:
The quickest way is to take Road Number 1.
The best way is to turn right on Main Street. I’m sorry, I’m not from here.
Stay on Route 1 for about ten minutes. I’m afraid I can’t help you.
Sorry I don’t know my way around here.
Use transitions
Separate each leg of the route with a transition. Offer another solution
after that You could ask the bus driver.
then Ask the front desk clerk.
next Follow me. I’ll show you the way.
when you get to…go… Do you want me to draw you a map?
finally
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