Why learn directions in English?
When you travel or live in a new city, you will often need to ask someone the way. The good news is that directions use a small set of repeated phrases. If you learn them and understand their order, you can ask and understand the answer with more confidence. This article is for around A2 level and builds a full route on an imaginary map.
How to ask politely
Start with a polite phrase, then ask your question. These are the most common forms:
- Excuse me, where is the station?
- Excuse me, how do I get to the museum?
- Could you tell me the way to the bank?
- Is there a pharmacy near here?
- Is it far from here?
Excuse me opens the conversation gently, and Could you is more polite than a direct Tell me. After the answer, say Thank you very much.
Left, right and straight on
These are the key words for any direction:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| turn left | change direction to the left |
| turn right | change direction to the right |
| go straight on | continue forward |
| go past | walk by a place |
| go along | follow a road |
| cross | go over a road or bridge |
Examples: Turn left at the corner. Go straight on for two streets. Cross the bridge. In American English many people say go straight, while British speakers often say go straight on. Both are understood.
Landmarks and place words
People rarely give only street names. They use landmarks such as a station, a mosque or a cafe. You also need words that describe where something is:
- next to: The bank is next to the cafe.
- opposite: The hotel is opposite the park.
- between: The shop is between the bank and the school.
- on the corner: The pharmacy is on the corner.
- behind: The car park is behind the museum.
- in front of: There is a bus stop in front of the station.
Opposite is common in British English. Americans also say across from: The hotel is across from the park.
A full route on the map
Imagine you are standing outside the station and you want to reach the library. Here is the answer step by step:
- Go out of the station and turn left.
- Go straight on for two streets.
- Go past the bakery on your right.
- Turn right at the traffic lights.
- Cross the small bridge.
- The library is on your left, opposite the park.
Notice the order words: first, then, after that, finally. You can say: First, turn left. Then go straight on. After that, turn right. Finally, the library is on your left. These words help you keep the steps in your head.
Understanding a fast answer
People may speak quickly, so do not be afraid to ask again. Use:
- Sorry, could you say that again?
- Could you speak more slowly, please?
- So, I turn left and then go straight on?
The last sentence is very useful because you repeat what you understood, and the person can correct you. When you hear You can’t miss it, it means the place is easy to see.
Common mistakes for Arabic speakers
| Mistake | Correct | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the way to station? | Where is the station? | You do not need the way here, and do not forget the |
| Turn to left. | Turn left. | No to after turn with left |
| Go to straight. | Go straight. | straight is an adverb here, so no preposition |
| The bank is in front the hotel. | The bank is in front of the hotel. | You need of after in front |
| How I can go to the museum? | How can I get to the museum? | Question order: question word, can, subject |
The last point matters: in English questions the helping verb comes before the subject: How do I get to the airport? not How I get.
Connecting directions and polite requests
Direction sentences use the imperative: Turn, Go, Cross. They are not rude here because they give instructions. But when you make a request yourself, use Could you or Can you. Example: Could you show me on the map?
Practise by yourself
Choose two places you know in your city, then write the route from the first to the second in five steps in English. Use turn left or right, go straight on, go past, and at least one landmark. Then read your text aloud. This simple exercise makes the phrases ready in your mind when you need them on the street.