Back to Situations

Inquiring About a Specific Stop

A passenger asks the bus driver or another passenger to identify a specific bus stop or indicate when the bus approaches it.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Lisa (Female)
Excuse me, driver. Does this bus go to the City Hall stop?
2
John (Male)
Yes, it does. It's about five stops from here.
3
Lisa (Female)
Okay, great. Would you mind telling me when we’re getting close, or how I can recognize the stop?
4
John (Male)
Sure, no problem. The City Hall stop is right after a large park on your left. You'll see a big, modern building with a clock tower.
5
Lisa (Female)
A big building with a clock tower, got it. That sounds easy enough to spot. Thanks a lot for your help!
6
John (Male)
You're welcome. Enjoy your trip.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

excuse me

A polite way to get someone's attention, especially when asking for help or directions on public transport.

driver

The person who operates a vehicle like a bus; use this when speaking to the bus operator.

stop

A place where a bus pauses to let passengers get on or off; often used in phrases like 'bus stop' or 'next stop'.

recognize

To identify or know something or someone from memory; helpful when asking how to spot a landmark.

mind

Used in 'would you mind' to politely ask for a favor, meaning 'do you object to' or 'is it okay if'.

spot

To see or notice something easily, especially a landmark; informal and useful for describing visibility.

got it

Informal way to say 'I understand' or 'I've noted that'; shows confirmation in conversations.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Excuse me, driver. Does this bus go to the City Hall stop?

This is a polite question to check if a bus route includes your destination. Use it when boarding or on a bus. The structure 'Does this bus go to [place]?' is a yes/no question with 'does' for confirmation.

Yes, it does. It's about five stops from here.

A helpful response confirming the route and giving distance in stops. Useful for passengers; 'it does' affirms the question, and 'about five stops' estimates time casually.

Would you mind telling me when we’re getting close, or how I can recognize the stop?

Politely asks for assistance in identifying a stop. 'Would you mind + gerund' is a common polite request structure. Use this to seek guidance without being direct.

The City Hall stop is right after a large park on your left.

Describes a location using landmarks for easy identification. 'Right after' means immediately following; 'on your left' specifies direction. Great for giving directions in travel scenarios.

A big building with a clock tower, got it. That sounds easy enough to spot.

Confirms understanding and comments on visibility. 'Got it' is casual for 'understood'; 'easy enough to spot' means simple to see. Use to show you've grasped instructions.

Thanks a lot for your help! You're welcome. Enjoy your trip.

Standard polite exchange: thanks and response. 'Thanks a lot' emphasizes gratitude; 'You're welcome' is the reply; 'Enjoy your trip' wishes well. Essential for ending helpful conversations.