Giving Directions
Have you ever been lost in an unfamiliar place and struggled to ask for help? Knowing how to give and understand directions is one of those skills that makes a real difference the moment you need it.
In this activity, you will learn common phrases and vocabulary used for giving and asking for directions, including how to describe locations, turns, and distances in natural, everyday language.
Through interactive exercises, you will build the confidence to guide others and understand directions when you receive them, clearly and without hesitation.
Direction Verbs
Study these essential verbs used when giving directions.
Use the imperative form when giving directions. Say "Turn left", not "You turn left". It sounds more natural and direct.
Common Landmarks
These are the most common places used as reference points when giving directions.
Use landmarks to make directions clearer. Instead of just saying "turn left", say "turn left at the traffic lights" or "turn left after the bank".
Useful Phrases & Expressions
Learn these common expressions used when asking for and giving directions.
Asking for directions
- Excuse me, how do I get to the station?
- Could you tell me the way to the hospital?
- Is it far from here?
- Am I going the right way?
- How long does it take to walk there?
Giving directions
- It's on the left / on the right.
- It's opposite the bank.
- It's next to the supermarket.
- You can't miss it.
- It's about a 5-minute walk.
- Take the first / second turning on the left.
- Go past the church and keep going.
- Always start with "Excuse me" when asking a stranger for directions — it's polite and natural.
- "You can't miss it" is a very common English phrase that means the place is easy to find.
- Use "opposite" (not "in front of") when a place is directly across the street from another.
Choose the Correct Direction
Read each sentence and choose the correct word to complete it.
Go _______ on Main Street until you reach the traffic lights.
_______ the road at the pedestrian crossing.
Turn left _______ the bank — the hotel is right there.
The supermarket is _______ the park — directly across the street.
_______ the first turning on the right after the roundabout.
Excuse me, _______ you tell me the way to the train station?
Match the Directions to the Destination
Read each set of directions and select where they lead on the map below.
"Go straight along Park Street. Turn right at the traffic lights. Walk past the school. It's on your left, next to the roundabout."
"Take the second turning on the left. Walk along Bridge Road and cross the river. Turn right immediately after the bridge. You can't miss it."
"Go past the church. At the crossroads, turn left onto High Street. It's opposite the supermarket, between the café and the chemist."
"Walk straight ahead for about five minutes. Turn left at the traffic lights. It's on the right, next to the school. There are big iron gates at the entrance."
"Go back to the main road. Turn right and walk along for two blocks. It's on the corner, opposite the bank. It has a large car park in front."
Activity Complete!
You've completed "Giving Directions". Here's what you've practised: