Asking and giving direction

      Asking and giving direction. If you’re in a new town, city or place and you want to know where a place or building is, these are useful phrases to ask for (and get) directions to a particular place.

<> Asking for Direction

        When we start asking for direction, don’t forget to say “Excuse me” because this expression is always the most polite way to begin your request for directions. And then continue with the following expression of asking direction.

Below are some Expression to ask for direction

Could you tell me the way to……..?

How do I get to ………?

Where’s the nearest ………?

Can you direct me to……..?

Please tell me how I can get to………from here.

Which way is it to………?

I need direction to get to…….

I would like to go to……

Is this the way to…….

Example

“Excuse me. How do I get to (the railway station) please?”

“Excuse me. Where’s the nearest (post office) please?”

Don’t forget to say “Thank you” after someone has given you some information.

Expression to give direction

       When we give directions it usually consists of two sets of instructions.

       In the first set:   By saying “Go to” and tell the listener what street, building, office number, etc – or – how far they need to go.

        In the second set:  By saying “Then” and tell the listener what to do when they get there.  (go straight on, turn left, turn right, it’s on the left, etc.)

    Giving even very complicated directions is just a repetition of those two sets above.

Below are some Expression to give direction

Go down/up this road/street until you get to……

Keep going/stay on this street until you see…..

Turn right/left

Make a left/right turn

Take the first left/right turn

Follow this street until you come to a traffic light/an intersection/etc.

It’s next to the bank/store/etc.

It’s across the street form……

You’ll pass…..you can’t miss it.

Go down/ up this hall/ corridor

Go straight ahead

Turn left/right

Make a left/ right turn

Go around the corner to your left/ right

Go across the hall

Go upstairs/ downstairs to the second floor

It’s the second door on your right as you come from the stairs/elevator is……

It’s upstairs/elevator

It’s on this floor

It’s next to the……..

It’s at the end of the…..

It’s just across from…..

It’s on the aisle two/three/four in the basement

It’s through that door there.

It’s on the opposite of the…..

Example in Conversation

Dialog

• Security     : Good morning, can I help you?
• Visitor     : Good morning, Excuse me, could you tell me                            where the director’s office?
• Security     : Sure, it’s at the end of the corridor. You just                           go straight ahead this corridor.
• Visitor     : At the end of the corridor? Is it on the left or                            on the right side?
• Security     : The left side. There is a sign on the door.
• Visitor     : Thank you

Security                  : You’re welcome.