No matter how good you are at reading a map or following your GPS, we all get lost from time to time. Being able to ask for directions is an essential skill to have especially when traveling. It gives you a lot of security and keeps you from getting lost.
Below, we'll teach you phrases that will help you both ask for as well as give directions. Check them out and start mastering these valuable skills!
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Below, we'll teach you phrases that will help you both ask for as well as give directions. Check them out and start mastering these valuable skills!
Asking for Directions
In this table we've gathered lots of examples of different ways you can ask for directions. Take a look at them and then try forming your own questions!Could you tell me how to get to the movie theater?
If you are lost and need to ask someone for directions, you can use the sentence pattern Could you tell me how to get to + PLACE? to get help. The person you ask will then most likely try to help you. For example, like this: Sure, turn left at the next intersection and you'll see it up ahead on your right.
Do you know how to get to city hall?
A common way of asking for directions is to ask somebody if they know the way to the place you want to go to. You can form questions to ask for directions this way by using the sentence pattern Do you know how to get to + PLACE?. In response, somebody might say Unfortunately, I'm not really sure where that is.
Could you direct me to the university?
A more formal way of asking for directions is the sentence pattern Could you direct me to + PLACE?. Use this sentence pattern whenever you want to be extra polite when trying to get help from someone. In response, the person might say something like If you follow this street and turn right at the second stop light, you'll be able to find it.
Giving Directions
Here you'll find lots of example sentences of how to give directions in English. Have a look and try creating your own sentences!Turn left at the light and then walk about another 300 feet
In the United States, the measurement feet is commonly used when giving directions. Someone will most likely tell you how many feet you need to walk to your destination when it is close by. This is because one foot is quite small. One foot is equal to about 30 centimeters and one meter is made up of about 3.2 feet.
Cross this street, then turn left and walk about a block
A block is a measurement of distance that is very commonly used in the United States. One block equals the distance between two intersections that are connected by one street. You'll most likely hear this measurement of distance being used in directions if you travel to a city in the US. Cities there are often neatly organized into blocks, so that the city itself becomes like a grid. Because of this, it's easy to use these blocks as references for distance.
Relax while Listening to the Phrases
Keep calm and learn English! Listen to the phrases again with relaxing background music. This will help you improve your listening skills and remember the phrases. Choose your favorite style, then kick back and relax!
Relax with Meditative Music
Relax with the Sounds of Nature: River
Relax with the Sounds of Nature: Wind
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Practice & Record a Dialogue
Take the next step and use what you’ve learned! Check out this topic’s dialogue unit and practice the phrases in a variety of exercises. Test your knowledge and get ready for real life conversations!
Excuse me? I'm trying to find the Crown restaurant. Do you know where it is?en
Yes, I do. It's just around the corner. Turn left, then go straight, and left again.en
Could you repeat that and speak a little bit slower? My English isn't so good.en
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