Asking the way

1.

A: Excuse me, can you tell me where South Street is, please?

B: Take the second on the left and then ask again.

A: Is it far?

B: No, it's only about 5 minutes' walk.

A: Many thanks.

B: Not at all.

2.

A: Excuse me, please. Could you tell me the way to the station?

B: Turn round and turn left to the traffic lights.

A: Will it take me long to get there?

B: No, it's not distance at all.

A: Thank you.

B: That's 0.K.

3.

A: Excuse me, but I'm trying to find the Town Hall.

B: Take the third on the right and go straight on.

A: Should I take a bus?

B: No, you can walk it in under 5 minutes.

A: Thank you very much indeed.

B: That's quite all right.

4.

A: Excuse me, please, could you tell me how to get to the town centre?

B: First right, second left. You can't miss it.

A: No, it's only a couple of hundred yards.

B: Thanks very much.

A: It's a pleasure.

5.

A: Does this bus go to the station?

B: No, you'll have to get off at the bank and tаke a one-nine-two (192).

A: Can you tell me where to get оff?

B: It's the next stop but one.

6.

A: Do you go to the sea-front?

B: No, you're going the wrong way. You want a one-two-three (123) from church.

A: Have we got much further to go?

B: It's the next stop.

TOWN

SPEECH PATTERNS

Asking for directions

How do I get to your office?

Can you tell me the best way of getting to your office?

What's the quickest way of getting to your office?

Where are you exactly?

Getting information

Will you be coming by car or by train?

It's much easier if you take the train.

Which hotel are you staying at?

General information in English

We're not far from… or We're quite close to…

It's about a mile / kilometer / two blocks from…

We're opposite / next to / in front of / across the road from / round the corner from the supermarket.

Giving directions in English

Come off the motorway / highway at Junction / Exit 12.

Follow the signs to …

Go straight on / left / right at the lights / at the roundabout /at the junction of … and …

Go past the supermarket.

You'll come to / see …

It's the first turning on the right after the bank.

Use landmarks to help

You'll see a large sign / roundabout.

On your left you'll see an industrial centre / a hospital / the police station.

Just after the shopping centre (or mall).

Go past the petrol station / the garage.

Final tips

If you're giving directions over the phone, remember to speak slowly to allow the other person to write things down.

Check that the other person has understood.

If you're speaking face-to-face with someone, use your hands to show left, right, or straight on.

Use ”please“ when you ask someone to give you directions. It's polite, and will normally get you what you want!

Task. Read the dialogue. Role-play a similar conversation.