Getting lost is stressful enough. But when someone asks you for directions and you freeze mid-sentence, it’s even worse. You know the place. You just can’t find the words. The good news? Giving directions in English is a skill you can nail with a few set phrases and a clear order of information.
Here’s exactly how to do it — without overthinking.
The Core Phrases You Need
Most directions rely on a handful of verbs and nouns. Memorize these, and you’re 90% there.
| Verb / Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| Go straight | “Go straight for two blocks.” |
| Turn left / right | “Turn left at the traffic lights.” |
| Take the … turning | “Take the second turning on your right.” |
| Continue until | “Continue until you see a red gate.” |
| Cross | “Cross the street and you’ll see it.” |
| It’s on your left / right | “The bank is on your right.” |
| It’s opposite / next to / near | “It’s opposite the park, next to the pharmacy.” |
Prepositions matter. In English we say on the corner (at the intersection), across from, between. Saying “in the corner” makes you sound confused.
A Simple Structure to Follow
Don’t just blurt out directions. Give the big picture first, then the details. This is the order I use when someone stops me in the street.
- Start from a known point – “You’re on Main Street, right? Good.”
- Give the first big move – “Head straight until you hit the second set of lights.”
- Add landmarks – “You’ll see a big blue supermarket on your left.”
- Give the final turn / destination – “Turn right there. The post office is about 50 meters down, on the right.”
- Check they understood – “Does that make sense? Or should I repeat it?”
That five‑step flow works for 95% of situations. Here’s how it looks visually.
This simple sequence works every time.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Saying “left” when you mean “right” – happens to everyone. Slow down. Point with your hand if you can. The gesture saves you.
- Over‑explaining – “Take the first right, then the second left, unless it’s Sunday then take the third right.” No. Keep it to three steps max.
- Using “up” and “down” without reference – “Go up the street” is useless if the street is flat. Use “straight,” “north/south,” or “towards the station.”
- Forgetting to check understanding – Even native speakers mess this up. A quick “Does that help?” can prevent a lost tourist.
What If They Don’t Understand?
Don’t panic. Repeat the key direction once, more slowly. If they still look lost, offer to show them on their phone map. That’s not failure — it’s being helpful.
You can also rephrase: instead of “Turn right at the pharmacy,” say “When you see a pharmacy on your left, turn right immediately after it.”
Practice Makes Natural
The best way to get confident? Use these phrases out loud. Next time a friend asks where the café is, don’t just point. Say the words. Listen to yourself. Adjust.
If you want to test your overall English speaking skills — including how naturally you handle situations like this — try our free test at English Measure. It covers reading, listening, writing, and speaking, so you’ll know exactly which areas need practice.
📝 Related Practice Section
Speaking Practice: Start chatting with our AI to practice speaking and improve your English pronunciation for free!
Ready to Take Your English Further?
Don't just read! Actively practice and improve your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills with our interactive modules.