TELLING DIRECTIONS

 Telling Directions

Language Functions/Expressions:

Asking for Directions:

"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the library?"

"Can you help me find the nearest bus stop?"

"Where is the post office located?"

Giving Directions:

"Go straight ahead and turn left at the second street."

"Walk past the supermarket and you’ll see the park on your right."

"It's next to the bank, opposite the pharmacy."

Detailed Language Functions for Giving Directions

Asking for Directions

• Starting the Conversation:
  • "Excuse me, could you help me find the way to...?"
  • "Hi, can you tell me how to get to...?"
  • "I’m looking for [location]. Can you give me directions?"
  • "Could you tell me where [location] is?"
  • "How do I get to [location] from here?"
• Specific Requests:
  • "What’s the best way to get to...?"
  • "Which direction should I take to reach...?"
  • "Is [location] far from here?"
  • "Can you point me in the direction of [location]?"

Giving Directions

• Starting Directions:

  • "Sure, it’s not far from here."
  • "Of course, it’s easy to find."
  • "Certainly, I can help you with that."

• Basic Directions:

  • "Go straight ahead for [distance/time]."
  • "Turn left/right at the next intersection/traffic light/stop sign."
  • "Continue down this road/street until you reach..."
  • "Walk/drive straight until you see..."
  • "It’s on your left/right after the [landmark]."
  • "Take the first/second/third left/right."
  • "Head north/south/east/west on [street name]."

• Using Landmarks:

  • "You’ll see a [landmark] on your right/left."
  • "It’s next to/across from/behind/in front of the [landmark]."
  • "Just past the [landmark], you’ll find [location]."
  • "If you pass the [landmark], you’ve gone too far."

• Clarifying Directions:

  • "Make sure to stay on [street name] until you see the [landmark]."
  • "It’s directly opposite the [landmark]."
  • "You can’t miss it, it’s right next to [landmark]."
  • "If you reach [landmark], you’ve gone too far."
  • "Keep an eye out for [landmark]; it’s just before/after that."

• Detailing Distances:

• "It’s about [distance] from here."
• "It’s a [number]-minute walk/drive."
• "You’ll see it in about [distance] meters/yards."

Example Dialogues

Asking for Directions

Tourist:

"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the library?"

Local Resident:

"Sure, go straight ahead until you reach the second intersection, then turn left. The library will be on your right, just past the supermarket."

Giving Directions

Tourist:

"Hi, I’m looking for the nearest bus stop. Can you help me?"

Local Resident:

"Of course. Walk straight down this road for about two blocks, then turn right at the traffic light. The bus stop is directly opposite the park."