How to tell or find out the way in English?
Remember the situation: a foreigner comes up to you and asks how he can get somewhere. You exert all your strength to extract at least some phrases from the depths of your consciousness, and for a long time you explain to him the right path. He leaves, and you remain in doubt whether he managed to help. This is not because you do not know how to get to the desired point - just that you do not know what words to choose.
At first glance, it seems that explaining the road, especially in a foreign language, is extremely difficult. However, it is not. It's actually simple, and even simpler than in Russian.
How to show the way in English?
All you need is a few verbs and a few prepositions.
Now let's decide how to tell in English where to go. You can just go straight, a few blocks, advise you to go exactly on the right or on the left side.
These sentences are grammatically correct, but native speakers are more likely to say differently:
You can say the same thing, but even shorter:
You can advise to go through something. For example, through the arch:
go through the arch - go through the arch. Here the preposition is used through- through, through, which means passing through something, and the arch is just a through hole in the building.
Do not confuse with a similar case, which we will also translate into Russian as “through”, but here there will be a meaning through something in the sense of “cross”
We can use other prepositions with the verb go. For example, round:
go round this building- bypass this building
Or around - go around:
go around this building and you will see a subway station
You may also need to turn the corner:
go round the corner - turn around the corner
The second useful verb for movement is turn.
other verbs
If you go very far, you need to give advice to use transport. For this, the following expressions are used:
You can say even more precisely if you need to get on or off the bus:
get on the bus - get on the bus
get off the bus - get off the bus
If you are on the subway, you may have to change from one line to another:
change to line 5 - change to line 5
For especially dull users of public transport, you can give special, more detailed instructions:
go down the escalator - go down the escalator
go up the escalator - go up the escalator
What to say to a foreigner if you yourself are lost?
The very first word you need is excuse me, which means “sorry”. Every conversation should start with him:
Excuse me, Sir! - if you're talking to a man
Excuse me, ma'am! - if you are addressing an older woman
Excuse me miss! - if you are addressing a young lady
Excuse me, officer! - if you see a police officer, you can also ask him for directions
Very often the question arises, what is the difference between excuse me and sorry, and why it is impossible to use the second option in this situation.
The difference is significant, but very easy to remember.
Excuse me! - you are going to do something nasty. Used before conversion. Sorry! - You've already done the nasty thing. Used after an action has taken place.
Can you tell me the way to the central square? - Can you tell me how to get to the central square?
You can be super polite and use could instead of can:
Could you show me the way to the central square? - Could you tell me how to get to the central square? (same as the previous example, but in a more polite way)
Or you can just ask how to get there:
How can I get to the central square? - How to get to the central square?
How do I get to the central square? - How to get to the central square? (option number 2)
To understand the answer to a question, listen carefully and remember it. Most likely, your guide will use the words and phrases that we covered at the beginning of the lesson, and you will easily get to the right place.
Hello, dear listeners and readers! We continue slowly. But it is true to master the series of audio lessons “So they say in America”, and along with the course, the spoken English of ordinary Americans. In today's lesson, you will be able to learn ask for directions and also explain directions, how to drive or get to the place you or someone else needs in American English. Ask for directions and explain directions in English
In a foreign city, it is sometimes very difficult to find a certain street or building, but, as they say, the language will bring you to Kyiv, and in our case, to Washington. Do not hesitate to ask passers-by how to get or drive to the place you need, and do not refuse to help other foreigners if they ask you for directions. And in order to be able to ask or explain correctly, today you will learn a lot of new and useful vocabulary in English.
As always, let's start with Martin Lerner's conversation with other characters. This time our good friend, VOA reporter Martin, walks the American streets asking questions, trying to figure out how to get to the Museum of Fine Arts by asking several passers-by for directions. Let's find out what strangers answer him, and whether he managed to find out how to get to the museum:
Martin: Excuse me, where is Art Museum? - Excuse me, where is it?
Male 1: Sorry. I don't know. - Sorry. I dont know.
Martin: Where is the Museum? - Can you tell me where the Museum of Fine Arts is?
Female 1: Go straight ahead. - Go straight ahead.
Martin: Excuse me, where is the Art Museum? — Excuse me, can you tell me where the Museum of Fine Arts is?
Female 2: It's on the river. It's on the Jefferson Street. - It's on the river bank. It is located on Jefferson Street.
As you can see, it is easier for a woman to make contact, unlike men. And with the help of two strangers, Martin managed to find out where the place he needed was located.
Remember also the online lesson Find out who is doing what
Use the audio recording of the lesson to hear how the dialogue is pronounced by ordinary Americans and hear other words and phrases in English. Pay attention to the intonation with which Lerner asks passers-by for directions: /wp-content/uploads/2014/09/russian_english_006.mp3
Listening to how Americans pronounce the words, repeat all the expressions after them to train your own pronunciation. Follow the instructions of A. Fillipova to master the lesson in sequence.
Asking for directions in English
With the help of a convenient table with phrases in English and translation into Russian, today you will learn new expressions, interrogative words, as well as some grammatical categories of words: verbs, nouns, pronouns, adverbs, prepositions.
|
Ask and explain |
|
| Phrases | |
| I apologize | Sorry. I'm sorry |
| Sorry. Sorry | Excuse me |
| Verbs | |
| to ask | ask |
| go | go |
| come | come |
| turn | turn |
| Verb + negation + know (Verb + negative particle + know) | |
| written form - in writing | I don't know |
| spoken - in oral speech | I don't know |
| Nouns | |
| building | building |
| museum | Museum |
| director | director |
| river | river |
| Adverbs | |
| left | left |
| right | right |
| way down | downstairs |
| up | upstairs |
| directly | straight ahead |
| there | there |
| Prepositions | |
| there | over there |
| on: by the river | on: on the river |
| Pronouns | |
| It: It's on the river | he, it, it: He is on the river |
| Question words | |
| where |
where |
You may have noticed that some words and even whole expressions can be translated differently, however, in context, these lexemes are very similar, and can be interpreted as indicated in the table. Be sure to save and learn this table!
See also interesting article
Very soon, residents of cities that host guests of the World Cup will have a chance to apply their knowledge of English. Well, if you live in another city, then the ability to ask and tell you how to get to the sights will always come in handy when traveling.
Start with a greeting and a polite phrase
- Hello, excuse me, could you help me?
- Hello! May I ask for some help? I need to get to (place)
- Good afternoon, may I ask you how to get to (place)?
- Good evening, excuse me, could you help me?
In Russia, you can sometimes hear a person simply ask: “Where is your store here?”, And you are unlikely to refuse help if you hear such a question. Abroad, there are somewhat different standards of politeness, but we don’t want to be considered rude, right? Be sure to apologize for the inconvenience. And don't confuse apologies: "Excuse me" is used before you disturb the person, and "sorry" is used after. All addresses to strangers should begin with the phrase "Excuse me."
There is another option, as you can see in the third and fourth examples - a polite wording with the verb "may". This verb is used to ask permission in a formal setting.
15 ways to ask where something is
Don't be afraid of the quantity. If you have a low level of English proficiency, learn two or three phrases, and this will be enough for you. In fact, all these questions have one and only purpose - to find out the way. So no matter which one you set, you will achieve your goal.
If you have a card or address
- How do I get here? (and show on the map)
- Can you show me which way on the map, please?
- I'm looking for this address. Could you direct me, please?
If you don't have a map and address
- How do I get to (place)?
- Where is (place)?
- Which road should I take to get to (place)?
- In which direction is the nearest (place)?
- What is the quickest route to (place)?
- What is the best way to get to (place)?
- Could you please guide me?
- What direction should I take?
- Am I on the right road to (place)?
- Could you tell me the way to (place), please?
- Is there a (place) near here?
We explain how to get there I
This is perhaps the most difficult part. If they ask you, then you need to remember all the necessary words and explain to the foreigner in an accessible way how to get to the right place. If you ask, then you may not understand what you are being told, or simply get lost in the explanations. We have tried to group the explanations into small blocks to make it easier for you to choose the right expressions.
If you have to go straight
- Go straight.
- go ahead.
- Go along this street.
- Follow this street until ... (there can be anything: a traffic light, an intersection, a landmark).
- Go up/down the street.
Need to turn left
- go left.
- turn left.
- It's on the left.
- Take a left.
- Turn left at the (still the same traffic light, intersection or landmark).
- Take the second (turning) on the left.
Need to turn right
- go right.
- turn right.
- It's on the right.
- Take a right.
- Turn right at the (traffic light, intersection or landmark).
- Take the second (turning) on the right.
Need to cross the road
- Go across the (street name)
- Cross the (street name)
- Go over the (street name) OR Go over the junction ("Cross the street").
Useful prepositions
- Go past… - go past something.
- It’s on your left/right - the place you are looking for is on the right/left. "It" can be replaced by the name of the place you are asked.
- It's opposite ... - a place opposite something.
- It’s next to/near/beside… - a place next to something.
- It’s between… and… - a place between two buildings, cafes, shops, etc.
- It's in front of ... - a place in front of something.
- It's behind ... - a place behind something.
- It's the second/third building on your right/left - the second/third building on your right/left.
What if I don't understand anything?
Foreigners are people too, they will understand your predicament. Politely ask them to explain again, and you will certainly not be refused. And to be sure that you understood everything correctly, repeat what was said. If you are not corrected, then you will not get lost. Here are some useful phrases that you can use to say that you didn’t understand something, and you need to repeat what was said:
- I'm sorry, I didn't understand that. Could you please repeat it?
- I'm sorry, I didn't understand you. Could you speak slower, please?
- I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you explain it to me again?
- So, I need to (repeat explanations), right?
- Let’s check it, I should go… (repeating explanations), am I right?
Thank you and say goodbye
In Russia, we are used to giving thanks, but saying goodbye to strangers is somehow not very good. But abroad it is quite normal. For example, you can use the phrase "have a nice day". She is neutral and great for ending a conversation with a stranger.
- Thanks a lot, have a nice day!
- Thank you for your help, have a nice day!
- Thank you so much! Have a nice day!
Bonus: places in the city
If you're heading to a certain place, it's easy. But if the place is abstract? For example, a bus stop, a pharmacy or a cafe? We have prepared for you a short list of useful words on the topic “Places around the city”. These words are sure to come in handy on your journey!
airport- the airport
bank- bank. If you only need an ATM, then it is called an ATM.
bookstore/bookshop- book store
bus station- bus station
café- Cafe.
church- church, cathedral- the cathedral. It is better to learn them immediately along with the name, in each language the full name of such attractions varies greatly.
cinema/movies- movie.
hospital- hospital.
hotel- hotel. Note that the stress falls on the last syllable.
gallery- gallery. You can clarify and say art gallery
metro- underground. In theory, everyone understands what it is. But just in case, remember that in the British English subway is called underground, and in the American subway.
Museum- museum.
pharmacy/drugstore- pharmacy. Be careful: abroad, almost everything is sold by prescription from the attending physician. Do not forget the necessary drugs at home, otherwise you will have to spend money on an appointment and get a prescription.
police station- police station.
pub- the pub. Its variation is bar.
park- a park.
restaurant- restaurant.
square- square.
supermarket- supermarket.
zoo- zoo.
Is it hard to remember a lot of new words at once? Our wonderful selections and will help you. You can listen to the words, see examples of usage in sentences and videos, and add them to your dictionary and review the material regularly. Well, if you have already mastered the basics of the English language, try your hand at a difficult quiz.
P let's talk about the road. Knowing how to point the way is just as important. Whether you are driving or walking, flying in an airplane or navigating the city, you need to know how to ask for directions, how to help a person get somewhere if possible.
Once, during my school years, a foreigner approached me on Red Square, opened a huge map and, with a meaningful look, asked me how to get to some metro station (I don’t remember exactly). I was confused, opened my eyes and acted like people from the famous Lingualeo video.
In general, the topic of movements, spaces and routes has always been unloved for me, probably because of my zealous desire not to perceive maps in general and all sorts of routes. Spatial idiocy, that's what it's called. I perceive the path purely intuitively. All sorts of maps and schemes drive me into unconscious anxiety and quiet horror.
Well, okay about me. So, expressions and words for orientation in space.
Turn left/ right . - Turn right / left, or Turn to the left / right
Go straight/straight on. - Go straight.
traffic lights. - Traffic light. No, no, these are not traffic lights.
Crossroads - crossroads.
Take the first turning / road / on your left / right. -Turn at the first turn / left.right.
You'll see.- You'll see
You`ll come.- You will come.
Go on for about 2 km .- Keep walking for 2 kilometers.
Go on for 5 minutes. - Keep walking for five minutes
Landmarks. - Landmarks on the ground.
Often we need to say about landmarks in space, the road. And we do not know how the “transition” will be. It's a shame, right?
TaxiRank. - Taxi rank.
Level crossing- Where the train and regular road intersections meet. Something like this.
underpass. Underground crossing.
flyover/overpass. Overhead passage
Zebra crossing. Where a pedestrian needs to go.
Tunnel. Tunnel
crossroads. And again a crossroads.
Junction. Type of fork, road intersections, nodes.
Fork of the road. Fork. Go to the left, you will become a goat.
round about. Circular motion!
main road. The main road.
lane. Lane.
Use prepositions of direction! There is a lot to be said about prepositions. I already spoke. But there is more!
gopast= Pass by and leave behind.
Go across= cross something
go along= Walk along
Go straight on= Go straight ahead
go up= go/ go up
go down= go down
gothrough= Drive through a city or a tunnel. Through
gooutof= to leave, to leave.
It's in front of you = This is in front of you
It's opposite the bank = This is opposite the bank.
It's on the corner= It's on the corner.
A typical "Where to go" conversation.
Excuse me, I'm looking for a bank. Excuse me, I'm looking for a bank
Go straight on. Take the second street on the right. You will see a shop at the corner. Pass the shop. Bank will be just opposite you. It's a 5-minute walk.
Go forward. Turn right on the second street. You will see a shop on the corner. Pass the store. The bank will be right in front of you. Walk about 5 minutes.
Idioms with directions and road.
Put the carriage before the horse. Drive the horses forward. Hurry, do things in the wrong order.
You always put the carriage before the horse! You are always in a hurry!
At the crossroads. At the crossroads. For example, at the crossroads of fate. At the crossroads. When there is an important decision in life and you have to choose
How often in your life have you had to get lost on the streets of an unfamiliar city abroad? Or maybe you were asked in English how to get to such and such an address, but you didn’t know what to answer? Let's fix this unacceptable mistake once and for all and learn how to correctly ask for directions on, and also learn how to tell other people who are in a difficult situation.
Everyone who has ever traveled has probably tried to ask for directions in English. However, not everyone knows how to ask the way in order to be understood by foreigners as much as possible. In addition, when we are suddenly asked in English how to get somewhere, it is also not always possible to remember the right words. However, it's all about a few phrases that you just need to remember.
We give directions in English
The picture shows the main directions of movement with translation:
Go straight on until you come to a crossroads. - Go straight to the crossroads.
Turn left into Gordon Street. - Turn left onto Gordon Street.
Take the next left. - The next turn is to the left.
Take the second road on the left . - Turn left on the second road (second lane).
Turn right at the traffic lights. - Turn right at the traffic lights.
It's opposite the church. - It's opposite the church.
It's next to the bank. - It's next to the bank.
It's between the school and the shop. - It's between the school and the store.
It's at the end of the road. - It's at the end of the road.
It's on the corner of Market Street and Baker Street. - It's on the corner of Market Street and Baker Street.
It's just behind this building. - It's behind this building.
It's in front of the school. - It's in front of the school.
It's just around the corner. - It's around the corner here.
It's on the left/right. - It (is) on the left / on the right.
It's around the corner.- It's around the corner.
It is better if you take a taxi. - It's better to take a taxi.
It's 500 meters from here. - It's 500 meters from here.
Bank Street is parallel to this street. - Bank Street is parallel to this street.
Penny Street is perpendicular to this street. - Penny Street is perpendicular to this street.
It's four blocks down the street on this side of the road. - It's four blocks down this side of the street.
Turn right at the roundabout. - Turn right at the road roundabout.
Asking for directions: useful expressions
Use these blank phrases to ask for directions in an unfamiliar place:
I'm trying to get to the museum. - I'm trying to get into the museum (I need to find my way to the museum).
Do you know where the post office is? - Do you know where the post office is?
What's the best way to get to the train station? - What is the best way to get to the railway station?
Can you give me directions to the nearest bus stop? Can you give directions to the nearest bus stop?
How do I get to the train station? — How to get to the railway station?
Where can I find the nearest bakery? Where can I find the nearest bakery?
How can I get to the bank? - How to get to the bank?
Where is the hospital? - Where is the hospital?
Don't forget to be polite:
Exuse me, how can I go to the library? - Excuse me how to get to the library?
Exuse me, is there a supermarket near here? — Excuse me, is there a supermarket anywhere nearby?
Pardon me, I'm lost, how do I get to the library? — Sorry, I'm lost, how can I get to the library?
Could you please, tell me how to get to the computer store? — Could you tell me how to get to the computer store?
Dialogue on the topic
If the presented material seems insufficient to you, I suggest moving on to a dialogue on the topic of orientation in English. Here you will find many additional phrases about how to ask for directions or help someone by indicating the direction of travel.
Fill in the gaps in the sentences with the following words: east, bank, school, roundabout, third, church
The dialogue is quite interesting and simple, so try to translate it yourself. Moreover, you received enough hints in this lesson, so you can use them when translating.
Lenny: Excuse me, I'm trying to find a pub called the Cock & Bull. Could you point me in the right direction?
George: Ah… the Cock & Bull. I know it well. excellent pub.
Lenny: Oh, great. I'm new to the city and I'm supposed to meet a friend there, but I haven't got a clue where I am.
George: Right. Go straight ahead. Then, take the (1) _______ road on your left. That's Queen Street. Follow it until you pass a (2) ________, and then… No, hang on. That's not right.
Lenny: Oh, I can ask someone else if you're not sure.
George: No, no. I know London like the back of my hand… OK. Ignore everything I just said. From here, you want to get onto Charles Street, which is parallel to this street. Then walk (3) ______ about 500 meters until you see an old (4) _______. Turn right at the church and… Wait a minute…
Lenny: I've got a map here...
George: I don't need a map. I've lived here all my life. And the Cock & Bull isn't far. Excellent pub, by the way. They do a fantastic steak and kidney pie… Or was it steak and mushroom? Anyway. Go about four hundred meters that way and when you get to a (5)____________, hang a left. Walk for another two minutes and you'll see a (5)_________ on the opposite side of the road. The pub is just next to the bank. You can't miss it.
Lenny: Great! thank you!
George: No, hold on… That's where the pub used to be. It moved 15 years ago.
Lenny: Maybe I should ask someone else.
George: No, no, I'm your man. I practically live at the Bear & Bull.
Lenny: You mean the Cock & Bull.
George: No, the Bear & Bull.
Lenny: I'm trying to get to the Cock & Bull.
George: The Cock & Bull? No idea! Never heard of it! Goodbye!
It is in such a funny form that dialogues can take place in our lives. Anyway, this dialogue showed us how to give directions in English in real life, as well as how to ask passers-by for directions. As you can see, passers-by can not always help, so you need to be more patient and not despair.
