What Does “Give Directions” Mean?
To give directions means to explain to someone how to get from one place to another. You tell them where to turn, which road to follow, how far to go, and landmarks that help.
Example:
“Go straight on Main Street, then turn left at the traffic lights. The library will be on your right.”
Giving directions helps in daily life — when someone is lost, when explaining how to reach a place, etc.
2. Useful Words & Phrases
Here are key vocabulary and useful expressions for giving directions:
| Purpose | Phrase / Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Moving forward | go straight on | Go straight on until the roundabout. |
| Turning | turn left / turn right | Turn right at the traffic lights. |
| Counting turns | take the second / third left/right | Take the second right after the bank. |
| Landmarks / reference points | at the corner, opposite, next to | It’s opposite the post office. |
| At junctions / intersections | at the end of the road, junction, roundabout | At the roundabout, take the first exit. |
| Describing location | on the left / on the right / in front of / behind | The café is on the left, just after the bridge. |
3. Examples
Here are sample conversations and direction-giving using the phrases above.
Example 1:
Person A: Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?
Person B: Sure. Go straight on Elm Street for two blocks, then turn left at the bank. Continue straight past the park, then turn right at the traffic lights. The station is on your left, next to the hotel.
Example 2:
Person A: I’m lost — can you help?
Person B: Of course. From here, walk straight on until you reach a roundabout. At the roundabout, take the third exit. Then take the second left. The supermarket will be opposite the library.
Let’s Play
1️⃣ Quiz time
Practice 1
Practice 2
Practice 3
2️⃣Speaking time
- Choose a place to START and FINISH on the map.
- Write the instructions on a piece of paper.
- Tell your partner how to go get to the final destination (FINISH).
