Find a place by asking a clear question and listening for landmarks and turns.

The idea

Begin politely with Excuse me, where is…? The answer may use go straight ahead or turn left to describe movement. A landmark can locate the destination: next to the bank means beside it. Ask Is it far from here? if you need to know about distance.

Examples

  • Excuse me, where is the museum?
  • Go straight ahead.
  • Turn left at the next street.
  • The museum is next to the bank.
  • Is it far from here?
  • Thank you for your help.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Turn left describes a change of direction; on the left describes a position. Ask the speaker to repeat or show the route if you are unsure.

Try it yourself

  1. Ask where the museum is. (Where is the museum? / How old is the museum?)

    Show answer or example answer

    Where is the museum?

    Where is the museum? asks for its location.

  2. The direction is left. (Turn left. / Turn right.)

    Show answer or example answer

    Turn left.

    Turn left tells someone to change direction to the left.

  3. The museum is beside the bank. (next to / opposite)

    Show answer or example answer

    next to

    next to means beside the bank.

Use it today

Write a two-line exchange asking for a library and giving directions using one turn and one landmark.