Asking for and Giving Directions in English ?? - Useful English Phrases

Asking for and Giving Directions in English ?? - Useful English Phrases Being in a strange city or country without directions is very difficult. Understanding the directions  you are given or even finding a person able to offer you directions can be even more of a challenge.  Here are some common English phrases and words used when GIVING DIRECTIONS  in English and also  words and phrases useful when ASKING for DIRECTIONS.Scroll down to watch English video lesson on How to Ask for and Give directions in English. How to Give Directions in English I get asked by strangers for directions at least twice a week (two times a week). I am not sure why people  think I know where every thing is located but even when I have been visiting an unknown city to me I  still, strangely, get asked. When I know the city and know the location of where the stranger  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: CARRY STRAIGHT ON this means to continue walking or driving in the same direction. Usually you indicate with your arm or hand.KEEP TO YOUR LEFT/RIGHT This means that you shouldn’t change direction or cross the street.For  example, as you walk along the street keep to your left/right.WHEN YOU GET/COME TO   This means when you arrive at a particular place identified (roundabout,  traffic lights, crossroads, etc) you have to change direction.For example, carry on straight  [1]  along this  road , keep to your left  [2] when you g et to  [3] the traffic lights turn left/right.HANG A RIGHT/LEFT Slang word or phrase to mean take a right or left turn.For example, when you  get to the traffic lights hang a right (take the turning right).LOOK/WATCH OUT FOR   this usually means to try and identify a certain landmark (important building)  like a church or statue, something that is noticeable.For example: Carry straight on  [ 1] along this  road, keep to your left  [ 2] when you come to  [3] the roundabout, take/hang a left  [4] at the roundabout and look out for  [5]  the large statue of the Soldier.   You should then see your hotel on the   left/right.Giving directions requires the use of many different prepositions. The common or frequently used  prepositions in English are:ALONG   walk/drive along this streetNEXT TO   next to the café you will see your  buildingAFTER   after the traffic lights continue forNEAR TO   the place you require is near to or  besides or next toACROSS   cross over or across means walk ac ross the road, street etcLets look at some examples of how we can use different prepositions to give directions in English:ALONG   Please walk along the street in that direction.NEXT TO   When you walk along the street you will see a church. It is next to (beside) the ABC Bank.AFTER   When you pass the bank you will see a DIY shop. After that (the next shop)   is the post office.  You will find what you need there.NEAR TO   The post office is near to the city centre.ACROSS   When you get to the post office you will see the Government office across the street (on the opposite side). Giving Directions in English - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: 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 even  when you speak the same language. But it is significantly more difficult when you are trying to ask in  his native tongue (English language). Today GPS is available on all our mobile  phones but people still like to ask either because they have no signal, no power (battery charge) or  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 be  understood.   These are often indirect questions which are more polite and more likely to give a  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 meMay I disturb youSorry for disturbing youCould you help me…2nd part of the phrase or question:I was wondering if you couldI am looking forBut could you direct me toFind my way please Lets 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 orExcuse me sir/madam, I was  wondering if you could kindly assist me I am looking for some directions to my hotel/the city centre.  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. Thesecret ingredient is always to be polite   Excuse me, Sorry to disturb you, Would you mind kindlyAnd of course when the advice has been given and the directions have been understood do not  forget to offer your thanks. British people use Please  and Thank you  a lot. They also expect to hear  it fronm you when they provide help such as in the situation of giving direct ions.Common ways to offer your thanks in English are:Thank youThank you so much for your helpI 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: Asking for Directions in English - Video Lesson