How to ask for and give directions in English

Summary

In this EngVid lesson, Adam teaches essential English for asking and giving directions. He covers key questions like 'How can I get to...?' and 'Where is...?', emphasizing the importance of indirect questions for politeness. Adam introduces prepositions of place and orientation words like 'north' and 'east'. He explains verbs for walking directions, using 'head', 'go', 'follow', 'turn', and for non-walkable distances, 'take the bus' or 'subway'. He also discusses using landmarks and the phrase 'You can't miss it' for clarity. The lesson is aimed at travelers and English learners.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The video aims to teach English speakers how to ask for and give directions effectively.
• 🧭 It's important to use polite and indirect questions when asking for directions, especially in countries like Canada.
• 🏢 Prepositions of place are crucial for understanding directions, including 'past', 'at the corner of', 'kitty corner', 'next to', 'near', 'not far from', 'in front of', 'behind', 'across the street from', and 'between'.
• 🌐 In North American cities, which often follow a grid system, cardinal directions like 'north', 'south', 'east', and 'west' are frequently used.
• 🧭 'Orientation' is key when navigating new cities; always try to figure out which way is north.
• 🚶‍♂️ For walkable distances, use verbs like 'head', 'go', 'follow', 'turn', 'take a right', 'make a left'.
• 🚌 When the destination is not walkable, instruct using public transportation terms like 'Take the number one line' or 'Take the number three bus'.
• 🚏 It's helpful to specify how many stops to go on public transport if the signs are not clear.
• 🏙️ Landmarks such as buildings, bridges, monuments, statues, and parks are often used to give directions and are easily recognizable.
• 🏁 The phrase 'You can't miss it' means the destination is very noticeable and hard to overlook.
• 🌐 English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so the directions given will often be in English, even in non-English speaking countries.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about how to ask for and give directions in English.

Why is it important to understand the verbs used in giving directions?

Understanding the verbs used in giving directions is crucial because they help clarify the actions one needs to take to reach a destination.

What are some common questions used to ask for directions?

Common questions include 'How can I get to...?', 'Where is something?', 'Can you tell me where something is?', and 'What's the fastest way to get to...?'.

Why is it suggested to use indirect questions when asking for directions in Canada?

Indirect questions are suggested in Canada because they are considered more polite and softer, fitting the cultural norms of communication.

What is the significance of prepositions of place in understanding directions?

Prepositions of place are significant because they indicate the relationship of one location to another, which is essential for comprehending and following directions.

What does the term 'grid' refer to in the context of city layouts?

In the context of city layouts, 'grid' refers to a street system where roads run parallel and perpendicular to each other, forming a pattern similar to a Tic-Tac-Toe map.

Why is it important to know the cardinal directions when navigating in North America?

Knowing the cardinal directions is important in North America because many cities are laid out on a grid system, making it easier to give and understand directions using north, south, east, and west.

What are some verbs commonly used when giving walkable directions?

Some verbs commonly used for walkable directions include 'head', 'go', 'follow', 'turn', 'take a right', 'make a left'.

How can you indicate that a place is easy to find using landmarks?

You can indicate that a place is easy to find by saying 'You can't miss it', which means the landmark or place is very noticeable and hard not to see.

What is the advice given for situations where the destination is not immediately clear?

The advice given is to get to a known landmark or a central location, such as a park, and then ask for further directions.

What is the purpose of using 'landmarks' when giving directions?

Using 'landmarks' helps make directions more recognizable and easier to follow by providing reference points that are easily identifiable.