Lesson

Directions

Give and understand directions

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Directions

This lesson focuses on common expressions used to give and follow directions in everyday and business situations. You'll learn clear, polite ways to guide someone and to ask for directions.

  • Typical expressions: turn left/right, go straight, take the first/second exit, it's on your left/right
  • Use concise, chronological steps when giving directions
  • Adapt tone: polite questions when asking, direct imperatives when giving (in spoken contexts)

Useful for airports, offices, meetings, and city navigation.

Table

Common direction phrases

Phrase Meaning Example
Turn left Make a 90° change to the left Turn left at the traffic lights.
Turn right Make a 90° change to the right Turn right after the bank.
Go straight Continue forward without turning Go straight for two blocks.
Take the first/second left/right Turn at the first/second street on the left/right Take the first left after the junction.
At the corner Where two streets meet You'll see the café at the corner.
It's on your left/right The place will be located to your left/right The office is on your right, next to the bookstore.
Follow the signs to... Use posted signs to reach a destination Follow the signs to baggage claim.
Take the next exit / At the roundabout, take the second exit Instructions for highways or roundabouts At the roundabout, take the second exit towards Downtown.

Tip

Key rules for giving directions

Be clear, chronological, and polite. Use landmarks and numbers to reduce ambiguity.

  • Give steps in order: first, then, next, finally.
  • Use imperatives for spoken directions: 'Turn left', 'Go straight'.
  • Include distance or time when possible: 'for two blocks', 'about a five-minute walk'.
  • Use landmarks: 'next to the post office', 'opposite the hotel'.

Confirm understanding: ask 'Do you want me to show you on a map?' or 'Will that work for you?'

Example

Examples in context

Walk straight ahead for two blocks, then turn left at the post office.

From reception, take the stairs on your right and the meeting room is at the end of the corridor.

Follow the signs to Terminal B; the gate is on your right after security.

Take the first exit at the roundabout and the hotel will be on your left.

Tip

Common mistakes

Avoid vague language and mixed word order. These errors cause confusion when giving or following directions.

  • Using vague terms only: saying 'over there' without a clear reference point.
  • Wrong prepositions: mixing up 'in', 'at', 'on' for locations and movement.
  • Unclear sequence: giving steps out of order or skipping transitional words.
  • Overly long instructions: too many details without clear segmentation.

Keep directions short, use landmarks, and confirm with the listener.

Quiz

Choose the best instruction to tell someone how to reach the meeting room from reception:

Hint: Focus on sequence words and natural English sentence order.

Quiz

Complete: Go straight _____ the next traffic light, then turn left.

Hint: Think about prepositions that show movement up to a point.

Quiz

Which sentence politely asks for directions?

Hint: Look for a polite opener and a question form.

Key Points

Expression

turn left

phrasal verb/expression CEFR A2 //tɜːrn lɛft//

Change direction to the left.

Turn left at the roundabout.

Expression

go straight

phrasal verb/expression CEFR A1 //ɡoʊ streɪt//

Proceed forward without turning.

Go straight for two blocks, then turn right.

Vocabulary

landmark

noun CEFR B1 //ˈlændˌmɑːrk//

A prominent object or feature used to give directions.

Use the red sculpture as a landmark when giving directions.

Expression

take the first right

expression CEFR A2 //teɪk ðə fɜːrst raɪt//

Turn right at the first available street.

After the bridge, take the first right.

Vocabulary

roundabout

noun CEFR B1 //ˈraʊndəˌbaʊt//

A circular intersection where drivers travel around a central island.

At the roundabout, take the second exit to reach the hotel.

Expression

on your left / on your right

expression CEFR A2 //ɒn jɔːr lɛft / ɒn jɔːr raɪt//

Indicates which side the destination will appear on.

The reception desk will be on your left.

Expression

follow the signs

expression CEFR B1 //ˈfɒloʊ ðə saɪnz//

Use posted directional signs to reach a destination.

Follow the signs to the conference hall.