16 Expressions for Giving Directions
Whether you’re helping a tourist or giving instructions over the phone, knowing how to give clear directions is an essential skill. Learning these 16 expressions for giving directions will help you guide people confidently and effectively. This guide breaks down the most useful phrases into simple, actionable categories.
Common Phrases for Giving Directions
Starting Points & Basic Movements
- Head towards… A general phrase to start moving in a specific direction. From the station, head towards the big clock tower.
- Go straight ahead. The simplest instruction to continue forward. When you enter the park, just go straight ahead on the main path.
- Make a left / Turn left. The two most common ways to say “turn to the left.” At the traffic light, make a left onto Oak Street.
- Make a right / Turn right. The standard phrases for a right turn. After the post office, turn right.
- Take the first/second left. Used when there are multiple turns. Walk down this road and take the second left.
Using Landmarks & Locations
- It’s on your left/right. Tells someone where the destination is in relation to them. The library will be on your left.
- You’ll see a [landmark] on your left/right. Helps people know they are on the right track. Go straight for two blocks, and you’ll see a red brick school on your right.
- It’s just past the [landmark]. Indicates the destination is immediately after a noticeable point. The cafe is just past the supermarket.
- It’s across from… Means the destination is on the opposite side of the street from something. The museum is across from the central park.
- It’s next to / beside… Points out a close neighbor to the destination. The pharmacy is next to the bank.
Specific Instructions & Distances
- At the corner… Gives an instruction for a specific intersection. At the corner of Main and 5th Street, turn right.
- At the traffic light / stop sign… Uses traffic signals as clear reference points. At the second traffic light, make a left turn.
- It’s about a five-minute walk. Gives a rough estimate of time on foot. From here, it’s about a five-minute walk.
- Go down this street for about two blocks. Provides a clear, measurable distance. Go down this street for about two blocks, then turn left.
- You can’t miss it. A reassuring phrase meaning the destination is very easy to see. It’s a big blue building. You can’t miss it.
- I’m walking you through it. A helpful phrase to use when giving directions over the phone. Don’t worry, I’m walking you through it step by step.
Real-Life Dialogues
Tourist: Excuse me, how do I get to the city museum?
Local: Sure! Go straight ahead for two blocks. At the traffic light, make a right. You’ll see a large fountain on your left, and the museum is just past it. You can’t miss it.
Tourist: Thank you so much!
Friend A: I’m lost! I’m at the supermarket. How do I get to your apartment?
Friend B: Okay, no problem. Head towards the main road. The apartment is across from the park. It’s about a five-minute walk. I’m walking you through it!
Friend A: Got it, I see the park now!
Quick Tips: Giving Clear Directions
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Starting the journey | Head towards [landmark]. | It gives a clear, visible goal to move towards from the beginning. |
| Giving a simple turn | Make a left/right at the [corner/light]. | It combines the action with a clear reference point, preventing confusion. |
| Describing the final location | It’s on your left/right, just past [landmark]. | This tells the person both the side and a final visual cue just before arrival. |
| Reassuring someone | You can’t miss it. | It builds confidence and confirms the destination is easy to find. |
Practice Tip
Try giving directions from your home to the nearest supermarket in your mind, using as many of these 16 expressions for giving directions as you can. This is excellent mental practice!
Why This Matters
- Using clear directional phrases allows you to help others effectively, making you a valuable resource in your community.
- It boosts your confidence when traveling, as you can understand directions given to you more easily.
- Mastering these 16 expressions for giving directions is a practical application of prepositions and imperative verbs, strengthening your overall grammar.
Giving good directions is a kind and useful skill. With these phrases, you can guide anyone with clarity and patience. Happy learning! 😊
