Giving Directions

These dialogues focuses on asking for and giving directions. There are a few important grammar and vocabulary points to remember when asking for and giving directions.

Dialogue I - Taking the Subway

John: Linda, do you know how to get to Samson's and Co.? I've never been there before.
Linda: Are you driving or taking the subway?

John: The subway.
Linda: Take the blue line from 14th avenue and change to the grey line at Andrew Square.

Get off at 83rd street.

John: Just a moment, let me take this down!
Linda: Take the blue line from 14th avenue and change to the grey line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street. Got it?

John: Yes, thanks. Now, once I get to Andrew Square, how do I proceed?
Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, Go straight on, past the bank. Take the second left and continue straight on. It's opposite Jack's Bar.

John: Can you repeat that?
Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, Go straight on, past the bank. Take the second left and continue straight on. It's opposite Jack's Bar.

John: Thanks Linda. How long does it take to get there?
Linda: It takes about a half-hour. When is your meeting?

John: It's at ten. I'll leave at nine-thirty.
Linda: That's a busy time. You should leave at nine.

John: OK. Thanks Linda.
Linda: Not at all.

Dialogue II - Taking Directions Over the Telephone

Doug: Hello, this is Doug. Susan: Hi Doug.

This is Susan.

Doug: Hi Susan. How are you?
Susan: I'm fine. I have a question. Do you have a moment?

Doug: Certainly, how can I help you?
Susan: I'm driving to the conference center later today. Could you give me directions?

Doug: Sure. Are you leaving from home?
Susan: Yes.

Doug: OK, take a left onto Bethany street and drive to the freeway entrance.

Take the freeway toward Portland.
Susan: How far is it to the conference center from my home?

Doug: It's about 20 miles. Continue on the freeway to exit 23. Take the exit and turn right onto Broadway at the stop light.
Susan: Let me repeat that quickly. Take the freeway to exit 23 and turn right onto Broadway.

Doug: That's right. Continue on Broadway for about two miles and then turn left onto 16th avenue.
Susan: OK.

Doug: On 16th avenue, take the second right into the conference center.
Susan: Oh that's easy.

Doug: Yes, it's very easy to get to.
Susan: How long does it take to get there?

Doug: If there's no traffic, about 25 minutes. In heavy traffic, it takes about 45 minutes.
Susan: I'm leaving at ten in the morning, so the traffic shouldn't be so bad.

Doug: Yes, that's right. Can I help you with anything else?
Susan: No that's it. Thanks for your help.

Doug: OK. Enjoy the conference.
Susan: Thanks Doug. Bye. Doug: Bye.

Key Vocabulary

Take a right/left
Got it = Do you understand?
Go straight on
Opposite

Key Grammar

Imperative Form

Use the imperative form when providing directions. The imperative form is comprised of the only the verb without any subject. Here are some examples from the dialogue.

Take the blue line
Continue straight on
Change to the gray line

Questions with How

How combines with many adjectives to ask information about details. Here are some common questions with how:

How long - Used to ask about length of time
How much / many - Used to ask about price and quantity
How often - Used to ask about repetition

More Dialogue Practice - Includes level and target structures/language functions for each dialogue.