Search blog

Compilation of English conversations for giving directions

Although finding directions has become easier for users with the advent of map applications, GPS, and navigation tools like Google Maps, there are still situations where users may encounter difficulties, such as when the app malfunctions, loss of signal, or in areas with no GPS coverage. In such cases, it becomes challenging to find directions without being able to ask the locals. In this article, PREP shares vocabulary, phrases, and the most common English conversations for giving directions. Let's dive in!

10 most common English conversations for giving directions

I. English vocabulary for asking and giving directions
II. English communication phrases for asking directions
III. Common English conversations for giving directions
IV. Learn English conversations for giving directions through Videos

I. English vocabulary for asking and giving directions

Before exploring English conversations for giving directions, let's first look at some common vocabulary related to asking and giving directions.

English vocabulary for asking and giving directions	Meaning	Example
Directions /dɪˈrɛkʃənz/	instructions that you give to someone about how to find a particular place	Can you give me directions to the nearest post office?
Map /mæp/	a drawing of the earth's surface, or part of that surface, showing the shape and position of different countries, political borders, natural features such as rivers and mountains, and artificial features such as roads and buildings	I always carry a map when I travel to unfamiliar places.
Street /striːt/	a road in a city or town that has buildings that are usually close together along one or both sides	The hotel is located on a quiet street near the city center.
Intersection /ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/	the place where two or more roads join or cross each other	Turn left at the next intersection to reach the shopping mall.
Landmark /ˈlændmɑːrk/	a building or place that is easily recognized, especially one that you can use to judge where you are	The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.
Turn /tɜːrn/	a change in the direction in which you are moving or facing	Take the second turn on the right and you'll see the library on your left.
Crosswalk /ˈkrɒswɔːk/	a place on a road, especially one where there is a lot of traffic, at which vehicles must stop to allow people to walk across the road	Always use the crosswalk when crossing the street.
Avenue /ˈævɪnjuː/	a wide road with trees or tall buildings on both sides, or a wide country path or road with trees on both sides	The hotel is located on Fifth Avenue, known for its luxury boutiques.
Traffic light /ˈtræfɪk laɪt/	one of a set of red, yellow, and green lights that control the movement of vehicles, usually at a point where two or more roads join	Wait for the traffic light to turn green before crossing the street.
Block /blɒk/	the distance along a street from where one road crosses it to the place where the next road crosses it, or one part of a street like this, especially in a town or city	The café is just a few blocks away from here.
Roundabout /ˈraʊndəbaʊt/	a place where three or more roads join and traffic must go around a circular area in the middle, rather than straight across	Take the third exit at the roundabout to get onto the highway.
Sign /saɪn/	a notice giving information, directions, a warning, etc.	Look for the sign that says “Parking Entrance” to find the parking lot.
Path /pæθ/	a route or track between one place and another, or the direction in which something is moving	Follow the path through the forest to reach the waterfall.
Distance /ˈdɪstəns/	the amount of space between two places	The distance from here to the airport is about 15 kilometers.
Bus stop /bʌs stɒp/	a place, usually with a pole with a sign, where a bus stops to allow passengers to get on and off	The bus stop is right across the street from the supermarket.

II. English communication phrases for asking directions

Here are some essential English communication phrases for asking directions that you should remember. Take a look!

English communication phrases for asking directions

Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to ABC University?

I'm looking for a bus stop, could you point me in the right direction?

Is there a spa nearby?

Can you show me on the map where the Hadilo restaurant is located?

Which way is the museum from here?

How far is it to school from here?

Are there any landmarks I should look out for when finding a mall?

Could you please give me walking/ driving directions to the stadium?

Is there a bus/ train station close to the bookstore?

Excuse me, is this the right street for ACB bank?

I seem to be lost, can you help me find my way to the police station?

Could you recommend the quickest way to get to XYZ company?

Is the park within walking distance from here?

Do you know if there's a taxi stand around here?

Thank you for your help in giving directions!

III. Common English conversations for giving directions

Below are 10 popular English conversations for giving directions that PREP has gathered. Take a look!