Navigating Your Way - Giving Directions in English

Navigating Your Way - Giving Directions in English

Are you ever in a fix about how to give directions in English? Whether you're asking for or giving directions, this lesson will guide you through various phrases and terms used in everyday English to help make your journey easier. By the end of this lesson, you'll be confidently directing others or finding your own way!

Useful Vocabulary for Giving Directions

1. The easiest way is to...

   • Meaning: Suggesting the simplest route or method.
   • Example: "The easiest way is to go straight down this road until you see the church."

2. The quickest way is to...

   • Meaning: Suggesting the fastest route.
   • Example: "The quickest way is to take the motorway."

3. The best way is to...

   • Meaning: Suggesting the most efficient or suitable route.
   • Example: "The best way is to follow the signs for the city centre."

4. Turn back/Go back

   • Meaning: Return in the direction you came from.
   • Example: "You missed the turn, you'll need to turn back."

5. Turn left/right (into... street/at the end of...)

   • Meaning: Direction to rotate your body or vehicle to the left or right.
   • Example: "Turn right into High Street, it's just past the library."

6. Go along...

   • Meaning: To travel on a road for a distance.
   • Example: "Go along Main Street for about two blocks."

7. Cross...

   • Meaning: To go from one side of something to the other.
   • Example: "Cross the bridge, and the museum is right there."

8. Take the first/second road on the left/right

   • Meaning: Choosing a specific street from a series of options.
   • Example: "Take the second road on the left, and you'll see the school."

9. It's on the left/right.

   • Meaning: Indicating the position of a place relative to the speaker.
   • Example: "Keep going, the post office is on the right."

10. Go up/down

    • Meaning: Move in a particular direction, usually on a slope.
    • Example: "Go down the hill, and the park is at the bottom."

11. It's about 50 meters from here

    • Meaning: Indicating a short distance from the current location.
    • Example: "The café? It's about 50 meters from here, on your right."

12. It's on your right/left

    • Meaning: Indicating something is located to the right or left of the person.
    • Example: "The bank? It's on your left, just after the traffic lights."

13. It's in the middle of the block

    • Meaning: Located at the central part of a city block.
    • Example: "The bookstore is in the middle of the block, between the bakery and the florist."

14. It's on the corner

    • Meaning: Located where two streets meet.
    • Example: "The pharmacy is easy to find, it's on the corner of Oak and Pine Streets."

15. It's next to/across/between/You'll pass a supermarket in front of... on your left

    • Meaning: Describing a location in relation to known landmarks.
    • Example: "The laundrette? It's next to the supermarket, you can't miss it."

16. Drive to... street and turn left/right

    • Meaning: Instructions for driving to a particular street and then turning.
    • Example: "Drive to Maple Street and turn right; the office building is right there."

17. Go straight ahead...

    • Meaning: Continue moving forward without turning.
    • Example: "Go straight ahead through two traffic lights, then the hotel will be on your left."

18. It's this way/that way

    • Meaning: Indicating a general direction.
    • Example: "The station? It's this way, follow me."

19. You're going the wrong way

    • Meaning: Indicating someone is moving in the opposite direction to their intended destination.
    • Example: "To get to the cinema, you're going the wrong way. You need to head south."

20. You're going the wrong direction

    • Meaning: Similar to going the wrong way, but emphasizes the direction rather than the route.
    • Example: "If you're looking for the library, you're going the wrong direction. It's back towards the town centre."

21. Take this road

    • Meaning: To begin travelling on a specific road.
    • Example: "To reach the beach, take this road and keep going until you see the sea."

22. Go down there

    • Meaning: To move in a particular direction indicated by the speaker.
    • Example: "The guesthouse? Just go down there, it's the last building on the left."

23. Take the first on the left

    • Meaning: Make a left turn at the first opportunity.
    • Example: "For the parking lot, take the first on the left and it's right there."

24. Take the second on the right

    • Meaning: Make a right turn at the second opportunity.
    • Example: "After two blocks, take the second on the right and you'll arrive at the theatre."

25. Turn right at the crossroads

    • Meaning: Making a turn at an intersection.
    • Example: "Turn right at the crossroads, then continue for half a mile."

26. Continue straight ahead for about a mile

    • Meaning: Continue in a straight line for approximately a mile.
    • Example: "Continue straight ahead for about a mile, and you'll see the entrance to the park."

27. Continue past the fire station

    • Meaning: Keep moving beyond a specific landmark.
    • Example: "Continue past the fire station, and the clinic is the third building on the right."

28. It'll be on your left/right

    • Meaning: A future indication of where something will be located as you move.
    • Example: "Keep walking, and the bookstore will be on your left."

29. It'll be straight ahead of you

    • Meaning: A place or object is directly in front of the person as they move forward.
    • Example: "Just keep going, the town hall will be straight ahead of

Useful Vocabulary for Giving Directions

1. Basic Phrases for Directions

• The easiest way is to...
  • Meaning: Suggesting the simplest route.
  • Example: "The easiest way is to follow this road until you see the post office."
• The quickest way is to...
  • Meaning: Advising the fastest route.
  • Example: "The quickest way is to take the subway."
• The best way is to...
  • Meaning: Suggesting the most efficient or pleasant route.
  • Example: "The best way is to go through the park."

2. Specific Directions

• Turn back/Go back
  • Meaning: To return in the direction one came from.
  • Example: "If you've reached the library, you've gone too far. Turn back."
• Turn left/right (into...- street/at the end of...)
  • Meaning: To change direction to the left or right.
  • Example: "Turn right into Main Street and continue until you see the cinema."

Advanced Phrases for Directions

• It's on the left/right.
  • Meaning: Indicating the side on which the destination is located.
  • Example: "The bank is on the right, next to the bakery."
• It's in the middle of the block.
  • Meaning: The destination is located midway along a street.
  • Example: "The coffee shop is in the middle of the block, between the bookshop and the florist."
• It's on the corner.
  • Meaning: The destination is located at the intersection of two streets.
  • Example: "The pharmacy is on the corner of High Street and Elm Road."

Landmark-Based Directions

• You'll pass a supermarket on your left.
  • Meaning: There is a supermarket on the way to the destination.
  • Example: "Keep going straight, you'll pass a supermarket on your left, then the school is just ahead."

Advanced Strategies for Giving Directions

• Utilising Landmarks: Describe surrounding landmarks for better orientation.
• Distance Estimates: Provide approximate distances (e.g., meters, blocks) to help gauge how far to go.
• Directional Cues: Use terms like 'straight ahead,' 'on your right/left,' to guide accurately.

Conclusion and Takeaways

• Understanding how to give directions in English is crucial for effective communication, especially when navigating new places.
• Remember key phrases and be descriptive using landmarks and directional cues.
• Practice these phrases in daily conversations or while exploring new areas to reinforce your learning.
• Draw simple maps or use gestures to aid your explanations if needed.
• Share your learning experience on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/learningenglishfree.co.uk and engage with a community of fellow learners!