Asking for Directions (Car)
A driver is lost and pulls over to ask a pedestrian for directions to a specific location.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
lost
If you are lost, it means you do not know where you are or how to get to your destination. Use this when asking for directions.
traffic light
A traffic light is a signal at a road intersection that controls traffic with red, yellow, and green lights. Common in directions for driving.
turn left
This means to change direction to the left when driving or walking. It's a basic direction phrase used in navigation.
go straight
To go straight means to continue in the same direction without turning. Often used in giving or asking for directions.
half a mile
Half a mile is about 800 meters, a common distance unit in English-speaking countries for driving directions.
on your right
This indicates the location to the right side as you face it. Useful for describing where something is while giving directions.
can't miss it
This idiom means it's very easy to find or notice something because it's obvious. Use it to reassure someone about directions.
drive safely
A polite way to say goodbye to someone driving, wishing them a safe journey. Common in transportation conversations.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me! Could you possibly help me? I think I'm a bit lost.
This is a polite way to start asking for help when you're lost. 'Could you possibly' makes it very courteous. Use it to approach strangers for directions.
What are you looking for?
A natural response when someone asks for help. It directly asks for the destination. Useful for clarifying in direction-giving situations.
Do you know how to get there from here?
This question seeks directions from the current location to a place. 'Get there' means to arrive at. Great for confirming routes.
You need to go back the way you came, to the traffic light.
Gives a direction to return along the same path. 'The way you came' refers to the route taken. Essential for correcting wrong turns while driving.
At the traffic light, turn left. Go straight for about half a mile.
This combines specific instructions: turn at a point and continue straight a distance. 'About' shows approximation. Key pattern for step-by-step directions.
You'll see the library on your right. It's a big brick building.
Describes a landmark to help identify the place. 'You'll see' predicts visibility. Use details like 'big brick building' to make directions clear.
So, no turns after that left at the light, just straight?
This confirms understanding by repeating and asking for clarification. It's a good habit in conversations to avoid mistakes. 'Just straight' means only go forward.
You can't miss it.
Reassures the listener that the place is easy to spot. Informal and encouraging. Use at the end of directions to build confidence.
Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it.
Expresses strong gratitude. 'So much' and 'really appreciate' emphasize thanks. Always use after receiving help to be polite.
You're very welcome! Drive safely.
A polite response to thanks, with a safety wish for drivers. 'You're welcome' is standard; add context-specific advice like this.