Things have changed a bit in the last decade so we don’t ask for direction as we used to, however learning how to ask and give direction might still be helpful.
Learning how to ask and give directions in English is quite helpful when:
| #1 | We or somebody is a little lost. |
| #2 | When you are in a new place. |
You don’t need to study a lot of words and structures to be able to give directions in English.
To learn how to ask for and give directions in English, you need to be familiar with:
| #1 | Prepositions of place |
| #2 | Places |
| #3 | Wh-Questions |
| #4 | Simple Present Sentences |
Let’s get started
Prepositions of Place for Directions in English
Task#1A
Let’s learn what the most common prepositions of place are
| #1 | In front of |
| #2 | Next to |
| #3 | Near |
| #4 | Across from |
| #5 | Inside |
| #6 | Behind |
| #7 | By |
| #8 | Between |
| #9 | Beside |
| #10 | Over |
| #11 | Opposite |
| #12 | Through |
| #13 | To |
| #14 | Under |
| #15 | On |
| #16 | At |
Task#1B
Check the prepositions, then flip the cards to read examples of directions.
How to Ask for Directions in English
Task#2A
Let’s learn about how to ask for directions in English
In all these cases, you just have to replace the place for any other place or location you want:
- How do I get to the police station?
- What’s the best way to get to the supermarket?
- Where is the church?
- Could you tell me where the shoe store is?
- Can you tell me where the bank is?
- Do you know where the post office is?
- Is there a shop around here?
You can also ask for directions without making a question, a phrase commonly used is:
- Excuse me, I am looking for the supermarket
- Excuse me, I am looking for the pharmacy
Task#2A
Take turns with a partner and ask questions using the expressions above
How to Give Directions in English
Task#3A
Check all places around town
If you want to give directions in English, you need to know your way around the city.
Let’s use this map
Task#3B
Follow these instructions to give basic directions
- Let’s check all place in town, make sure you are familiar with the pronunciation and meaning.
- Practice asking different types of question with each one of the locations.
- Give simple directions such as “The museum is next to the library”
Task#3C
Now follow these instructions for more advanced directions:
- Ask for directions to get to a specific place.
- Both of you are where the “red X” is.
- Provide details directions
This is an example of a detail direction exchange:
- Can you tell me where the police station is?
- Drive past this block, drive past the other one, then turn left and you will see the police station on your left.
