Asking for directions
Stop a stranger politely, ask how to get somewhere and check that you understood.
The scene
You are visiting a new city and want to find the train station. You stop someone on the street and ask for help.
- Speaker A
- Local person
- Speaker B
- You (visitor)
Your goals
- Start a conversation with a stranger politely
- Understand simple directions like 'turn left' and 'go straight'
- Repeat the directions back to check them
Key vocabulary
Press the speaker to hear each word or phrase.
Excuse me
a polite way to get a stranger's attention
Excuse me, do you have a minute?
go straight
continue in the same direction
Go straight for two blocks.
turn left / right
change direction to the left or right
Turn right at the bank.
block
the distance from one street corner to the next (American English)
It's three blocks from here.
traffic lights
the red, yellow and green lights that control cars
Turn left at the traffic lights.
on your left / right
on that side of you as you walk
The station is on your right.
far
a long distance away
Is it far from here?
Useful phrases
Excuse me, could you help me?
Getting someone's attention politely
How do I get to …?
Asking for directions to a place
Is it far from here?
Asking about distance
Can I walk there?
Asking if it is close enough to walk
So I go straight and then turn left?
Repeating directions to check them
Thanks so much for your help.
Thanking someone warmly
Practice studio: speak the dialogue
Pick your role and press Start. Your partner's lines are read aloud; then say your line into the microphone (or type it) and see which words you got right.
Local person
Hi, are you OK? You look a little lost.
You (visitor)
Yes, I am a little lost. Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?
Local person
Oh, it's not far. Do you see the traffic lights over there?
You (visitor)
Yes, I see them. Do I turn at the lights?
Local person
Yes, turn left at the lights and go straight for two blocks.
You (visitor)
OK, left at the lights and then straight for two blocks.
Local person
Exactly. The station is on your right, next to a big bookstore.
You (visitor)
Great. Can I walk there, or should I take a bus?
Local person
You can walk. It's about five minutes.
You (visitor)
Perfect. Thank you so much for your help!
You speak 5 lines as You (visitor); Local person is read aloud for you.
Speech recognition is done by your browser (in Chrome and Edge this uses the browser maker's online service). Nothing is stored by AltFTool.
Your turn: speak freely
Answer out loud in your own words. There is no score here: aim for full sentences and fewer filler words.
1. Stop someone politely and ask how to get to a museum.
2. Repeat these directions back: turn right at the bank, go straight, it's on your left.
3. Give directions from your home to the nearest store.
Quick quiz
Choose an answer to see if you are right and why.
0 of 4 answered
Common mistakes
Avoid:
Where is the station, please tell me.Say: Excuse me, how do I get to the station?
Start with 'Excuse me' and ask one clear question.
Avoid:
Turn on the left.Say: Turn left.
With 'turn' you do not need 'on the': just 'turn left' or 'turn right'.
Avoid:
It is far from here?Say: Is it far from here?
In questions, put the verb 'is' before the subject 'it'.
Tips
- Hold up the name or a map of the place on your phone; it makes the conversation easier.
- Listen for landmarks like banks, churches or big stores and repeat them.
- If the directions are long, ask 'Could you show me on the map?'
Questions about this lesson
How do you ask for directions in English?
Say 'Excuse me, how do I get to…?' or 'Excuse me, where is the nearest…?' Then repeat the directions back to check them.
What does 'a few blocks' mean?
In American English a block is the distance from one street corner to the next, so 'a few blocks' usually means a short walk.
How do you say you are lost in English?
Say 'I'm a little lost' or 'Sorry, I think I'm lost. Could you help me?'
Finish the lesson
Finish the practice studio and the quiz and this lesson is marked complete for you.
Next lesson: Checking in at a hotel