HOW TO GIVE DIRECTIONS
You know how to ASK for directions, but what happens when an English speaker asks YOU for directions. This is not a time for small talk. Give only basic directions with short phrases. Do the best you can.
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Questions you may hear
How do I get to Main Street?
Where is the closest gas station?
Can you tell me where the community centre is?
I’m looking for Jane Street.
Are you from around here?
How do I get to Main Street?
Where is the closest gas station?
Can you tell me where the community centre is?
I’m looking for Jane Street.
Are you from around here?
If you know the way…
Use basic English to offer directions. Short phrases are best. Speak slowly and use very careful pronunciation. Spell out a word if necessary.
The easiest way is to…
The quickest way is to…
The best way is to…
The quickest way is to…
The best way is to…
go + direction (right, left, down, up, through)
take + road name
turn + right/left
stay on + road name for + distance or time
take + road name
turn + right/left
stay on + road name for + distance or time
Examples:
The easiest way is to go right on Commercial Avenue.
The quickest way is to take Road Number 1.
The best way is to turn right on Main Street.
Stay on Route 1 for about ten minutes.
The easiest way is to go right on Commercial Avenue.
The quickest way is to take Road Number 1.
The best way is to turn right on Main Street.
Stay on Route 1 for about ten minutes.
Use transitions
Separate each leg of the route with a transition.
after that
then
next
when you get to…go…
finally
then
next
when you get to…go…
finally
Offer “Ballpark Figures” (rough estimates of time or length of travel)
Some people feel better knowing how long it will take to get from A to B.
It’s just around the corner (not far).
It’s not far.
It’s a bit of a way. (it takes a while)
It’s about a five minute walk.
It’s about a twenty minute bus ride.
It’s not far.
It’s a bit of a way. (it takes a while)
It’s about a five minute walk.
It’s about a twenty minute bus ride.
Use landmarks
Tell the person what to watch for.
You will see a large clock on the right.
You will pass a gas station.
It’s across from the blue church.
You will pass a gas station.
It’s across from the blue church.
More useful language
It’s on + street name
It’s across from
It’s opposite
It’s near
It’s around the corner from
Offer warnings
Stay in the right lane.
It’s a very busy road.
It’s a big hill. (if they are walking or on a bike)
There might be construction.
If you pass the … you went too far.
There’s no parking.
Repeat yourself
If YOU repeat the directions again, the other person will feel more confident. Repeat important details including street names and turns. You can also ask the other person to repeat the directions back to you.
If you are in the car with the driver…
Give a lot of warning.
Turn right at the next street
Get in the left lane.
Go one more block. Then turn right.
At the next traffic lights turn…
It’s going to be on your right.
Get in the left lane.
Go one more block. Then turn right.
At the next traffic lights turn…
It’s going to be on your right.
Clarify
Make sure that the other person understood your directions. Say: “Did you get all that?”
Make sure that the other person understood your directions. Say: “Did you get all that?”
If you don’t know the way…
Don’t guess! Don’t just shake your head and walk away. Use one of these phrases:
I’m sorry, I’m not from here.
I’m afraid I can’t help you.
Sorry I don’t know my way around here.
I’m afraid I can’t help you.
Sorry I don’t know my way around here.
Offer another solution
You could ask the bus driver.
Ask the front desk clerk.
Follow me. I’ll show you the way.
Do you want me to draw you a map?
–
“Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.”(Alice in Wonderland)
Dialogue on Giving Directions
Guest: Could you tell me how to get to the Spa?
Staff: Take this passage-way and go down the steps on your right. At the bottom of the steps there is a wooden bridge. Go over the bridge and turn right. Follow the path until you get to the Spa. It’s about 40 meters from the bridge.
Staff: Take this passage-way and go down the steps on your right. At the bottom of the steps there is a wooden bridge. Go over the bridge and turn right. Follow the path until you get to the Spa. It’s about 40 meters from the bridge.
Guest: How do I find the Thai Thai restaurant?
Staff: Just follow the pathway to the left of the reception desk in the Andaman lobby. The walk-way will take you directly to the Thai Thai Restaurant.
Staff: Just follow the pathway to the left of the reception desk in the Andaman lobby. The walk-way will take you directly to the Thai Thai Restaurant.
Guest: Which way do I go to get to the beach?
Staff: From the Bell Desk in the Andaman Lobby, turn left and follow the path on the right and go past the pond and up the steps. From there, walk straight across the beach road, the beach will be righ in front of you.
Staff: From the Bell Desk in the Andaman Lobby, turn left and follow the path on the right and go past the pond and up the steps. From there, walk straight across the beach road, the beach will be righ in front of you.
Guest: Pardon me, I’m lost, how do I get to the gym?
Staff: From the main lobby, walk away from the beach and take the first staircase on your right down. The staircase is next to the portrait center. The gym is on your right at the bottom of the stairs.
Staff: From the main lobby, walk away from the beach and take the first staircase on your right down. The staircase is next to the portrait center. The gym is on your right at the bottom of the stairs.
Guest: Which is the best route to the Phuket City?
Staff: Get on the road to Patong and drive north on the 4233. At the end of the beach road in Patong, turn right on the 4029 and drive east. Take the 4029 about 4 kilometers and turn right on the 4020. That road will take you to Phuket city.
Staff: Get on the road to Patong and drive north on the 4233. At the end of the beach road in Patong, turn right on the 4029 and drive east. Take the 4029 about 4 kilometers and turn right on the 4020. That road will take you to Phuket city.
You can go to this website to practice more about directions by clicking on the links below.
This topic is really interesting, because, there are many usfeul information about how ask and how give directions and have videos too. I really like this post!
ResponderEliminarPd: (I'm sorry for my grammar, I still learning english) feel free in correct me.
it is sunny
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