Chapter 6 - Giving and Asking for Directions

A. Giving Directions

Questions you may hear when people ask you to give them the information about
direction.
• How do I get to Braga Street?
• Where is the closest gas station?
• Can you tell me where the hospital is?
• I’m looking for Gatot Subroto Street.
• Are you from around here?

You can give the answers by using basic English to offer directions. Short phrases are
best.
• The easiest way is to…
• The quickest way is to…
• The best way is to…
• Go + direction (right, left, down, up, through
• Take + [road name]
• Turn + [right/left]
• Stay on + [road name] for + [distance or time]

There are prepositions used to describe about directions.

• The hospital is opposite the railway station.
• The shop is near the hospital.
• The house is next to the local cricket ground.
• The shop is in between the chemist and KFC.
• At the end of the road you will see a roundabout.
• At the corner of the road you will see red building.
• Just around the corner is my house you will need to stop quickly, or you will
miss it.
• Go straight on at the traffic lights.
• Turn right at the crossroads.
• Follow the signposts for Manchester.

Example in Dialogue:

A: Can you tell me the direction to Trans Studio Bandung?

B: Of course, the easiest way is to go right on Gatot Subroto street. Stay on Gatot
Subroto street for about five minutes and then turn right at the intersection.
B. Vocabulary Building – Important Phrases

There are some phrases to add to your travel vocabulary that’ll get someone’s attention.
These polite expressions are a great way to start a conversation and get the help you need.

Excuse me → Excuse me? Where is the nearest souvenir shop?

Sorry to bother you → Sorry to bother you, but would you mind showing
me the way to post office?
I can’t seem to read this → Sorry to bother you. I can’t seem to read this map.
map.

Now it’s time to ask about where you need to go. Follow “Excuse me” or “Sorry to bother
you” with one of these questions:

May I ask…? May I ask where the Marriott hotel is?

Could you please…?
How do I get to…?
Which way to…?
Can you help me find…?
Could you please point me in the direction of the
main square?
Excuse me? How do I get to Times Square?
Sorry to bother you, but which way to Main Street?
Excuse me? Can you help me find Hotel
Pennsylvania? This is my first time in the city.