Asking and Giving Directions in English

These dialogues focus on asking for and giving directions. Practice these  English  dialogues that give directions to different locations in a city. Once you feel comfortable with the vocabulary, ask for directions in your city with a partner or a classmate. Pretend you are  traveling in your city. Key Grammar Points to Remember Imperative form: You should use the imperative form when providing directions. The imperative form is comprised of only the verb without any subject, and it tells someone directly what to do. Here are some examples of the imperative from the dialogue. Take the blue line.Continue going straight.Change to the grayline. While you would not use the imperative form in normal polite speech as it is considered too abrupt, it is appropriate when providing asked-for guidance. Asking questions using how:  How combines with many  adjectives  to ask information about details. Here are some common  questions with how: How long?  Used to ask about the length of timeHow much or many?  Used to ask about price and quantityHow often?  Used to ask about repetition Key Vocabulary Words and Phrases Related to Directions There are a few important grammar and vocabulary points to remember when asking for and giving directions.   Take a right/leftGot itI understandDo you understand?Go straightOppositeTake the first / second / third /  rightGo right / left / straight at the light / corner / stop sign  Continue straight onTurn right / left at the light / corner / stop sign  Get on the bus / subway at 12th Ave. / Whitman Street / Yellow Lane  Follow the signs for the museum / exhibition center / exit   Common Questions When Asking for Directions Is it far? / Is it close?  How far is it? / How close is it?Could you please give me directions?Where is the nearest bank / supermarket / gas station?Where can I find a bookstore / restaurant / bus stop / restroom?Is the museum / bank / department store  near here? Practice Dialogue: Taking the Subway John: Linda, do you know how to get to Samsons and Co.? Ive never been there before.Linda: Are you driving or taking the subway? John: The subway.Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave. and change to the gray line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street. John: Just a moment, let me write this down.Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave.  and change to the gray line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street. Got it? John: Yes, thanks. Now, once I get to Andrew Square, how do I proceed?Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the second left and continue going straight. Its across the street from Jacks Bar. John: Can you repeat that?Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the second left and continue going straight. Its across the street from Jacks Bar. John: Thanks, Linda. How long does it take to get there?Linda: It takes about a half-hour. When is your meeting? John: Its at 10 a.m. Ill leave at 9:30.Linda: Thats a busy time. You should leave at 9. John: OK. Thanks, Linda.Linda: Not at all. Practice Dialogue: Taking Directions Over the Telephone Doug: Hello, this is Doug.Susan: Hi Doug. This is Susan. Doug: Hi Susan. How are you?Susan: Im fine. I have a question. Do you have a moment? Doug: Certainly, how can I help you?Susan: Im driving to the conference center later today. Could you give me directions? Doug: Sure. Are you leaving home?Susan: Yes. Doug: OK, take a left onto Bethany street and drive to the freeway entrance. Take the freeway toward Portland.Susan: How far is it to the conference center from my home? Doug: Its about 20 miles. Continue on the freeway to exit 23. Take the exit and turn right onto Broadway at the stoplight.Susan: Let me repeat that. Take the freeway to exit 23 and turn right onto Broadway. Doug: Thats right. Continue on Broadway for about two miles and then turn left onto 16th Ave.Susan: OK. Doug: On 16th Ave., take the second right into the conference center.Susan: Oh thats easy. Doug: Yes, its very easy to get to.Susan: How long does it take to get there? Doug: If theres no traffic, about 25 minutes. In heavy traffic, it takes about 45 minutes.Susan: Im leaving at 10  in the morning, so the traffic shouldnt be so bad. Doug: Yes, thats right. Can I help you with anything else?Susan: No thats it. Thanks for your help. Doug: OK. Enjoy the conference.Susan: Thanks, Doug. Bye.   Practice Dialogue: Directions to the Museum (On the street corner) Tourist:  Excuse me, can you help me? Im lost!Person:  Certainly, where would you like to go? Tourist:  Id like to go to the museum, but I cant find it. Is it far?Person:  No, not really. Its about a five-minute walk. Tourist:  Maybe I should call a taxi.Person:  No, Its very easy. Really. (pointing) I can give you directions. Tourist:  Thank you. Thats very kind of you.Person:  Not at all. Now, go along this street to the traffic lights. Do you see them? Tourist:  Yes, I can see them.Person:  Right, at the traffic lights, turn left into Queen Mary Ave. Tourist:  Queen Mary Ave.Person:  Right. Go straight. Take the second left and enter Museum Drive. Tourist:  OK. Queen Mary Ave., straight on and then the third left, Museum Drive.Person:  No, its the second left. Tourist:  Ah, right. The second street on my left.Person:  Right. Just follow Museum Drive and the museum is at the end of the road. Tourist:  Great. Thanks again for your help.Person:  Not at all. Practice Dialogue: Directions to a Supermarket Tom:  Could you go  to the supermarket and buy some food? Theres nothing to eat in the house!Helen:  Sure, but I dont know the way. Weve just moved in. Tom:  Ill give you directions. Not to worry.Helen:  Thanks.   Tom:  At the end of the street, take a right. Then drive two miles to White Ave. After that, its another mile to...Helen:  Let me write this down. I wont remember it! Tom:  OK. First, take a right at the end of the street.Helen:  Got it. Tom:  Next, drive two miles to White Ave.Helen:  Two miles to White Ave. After that? Tom:  Take a left onto 14th Street.Helen: Left onto 14th Street.   Tom:  The supermarket is on the left, next to the bank.Helen:  How far is it after I turn on to 14th Street? Tom:  Its not far, maybe about 200 yards.Helen:  OK. Great. Is there anything special you want? Tom:  No, just the usual. Well, if you could get some beer that would be great!Helen:  OK, just this once!