Directions and getting around

Ask the way, give directions and use transport. Lesson 13 of 58: Everyday English, CEFR A2.

Asking the way

• Start with “Excuse me”, then a polite question: “Excuse me, how do I get to the station?” “Is there a pharmacy near here?” Thank them even if they cannot help.
• Excuse me, how do I get to the museum?
• Is it far from here?
• Is this the right way to the station?

Giving directions

• Use the plain verb to give directions: “Go straight on. Take the second left. Turn right at the lights. It’s on your left, opposite the bank.”
• Go straight on for about two hundred metres.
• Take the second turning on the right.
• It’s next to the post office, opposite the park.

Getting around

• Ask: “Which platform does the train leave from?” “Does this bus go to the airport?” “How long does it take?” “Could you let me know when we get there?”
• Does this bus go to the city centre?
• How long does it take to walk?
• A return ticket to Oxford, please. (There and back)
• Tip: When you are given directions, repeat them back: “So, second left, then right at the lights?” It catches mistakes and shows you listened.

Lines to have ready

• Excuse me, how do I get to …? (Asking the way)
• Is it within walking distance? (Is it close enough to walk?)
• Could you show me on the map? (When directions are complicated)
• So, I take the second left, and then …? (Repeating back to check)
• Thanks anyway. (When somebody could not help)

Your turn to speak

• Give a visitor directions from your home to the nearest station or shop, with at least four steps and two landmarks. Then ask somebody the way somewhere, and repeat their directions back.
• I used go, take and turn
• I used next to, opposite or on your left/right
• I repeated directions back to check them

Related

• Lesson 12: Shops, cafés and polite requests
• Lesson 14: Phone and video calls
• The whole English course

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