Asking for and Giving Directions

Hello, students!
There are many ways to ask for and give directions in English. One common way is to give the name of a street and then some buildings nearby. So, let's learn more!
Well, when we travel abroad we need to learn how to ask for directions. On the other hand, we also need to learn how to give directions because our country receives lots and lots of  foreign people every year.
Take a look at the structures for asking for and giving directions in the table below:

Asking for Directions

Excuse me . . . 
**  This is always the most polite way to begin  your request for directions** 

______________________________________________________________ 

Would/Could you tell me how to get to . . . Sugar Loaf? 

How do I find . . . suite 305? 

What is the best way to get to . . . Ipanema Beach? 

Would/Could you direct me to . . . Ms. Sumidata's office?

Which way do I go to get to . . .  the Nobunaga Building? 

  

 Giving Directions  

Go straight        Make a U turn        Turn left      Turn right      

Continue on (keep going) 

Follow this hall . . . road . . . path        Take the elevator          

It's about 150 meters  

It's next to . . . across from . . . opposite . . . beside . . . between (two things) 

Cross the . . . street . . . road . . . park . . . lobby . . . intersection . . .
 

Go past the . . .

It's on . . .  the left . . . the right . . . the third floor . . . the corner 

 

Prepositions to use with Directions

Go straight     Go to    Right     Left     Cross    On your right     

On your left     Beside  

Next to    Behind     Across from     In front of     On the corner of 

* Don't forget to say "Thank you" after someone has given you assistance.  

When Giving Directions in English 

Giving directions usually consists of to sets of instructions. 

In the first set:   Say "Go to" and tell the listener what street, building, office number, etc - or - how far they need to go.

In the second set:  Say "Then" and tell the listener what to do when they get there.  (turn left, turn right, it's on the left, etc.)

Giving even very complicated directions is just a repetition of these two steps.  

That's it!

See you,

Teacher Jô