Table of Contents
- What can I say instead of way?
- What are some synonyms of ways?
- How do you say by the way in other words?
- How do you say by the way in professional way?
- How do you use besides And besides in a sentence?
- How use besides in a sentence?
- How do you start besides?
- Does Besides mean except?
- What is the example of also?
- How do you say because in a fancy way?
- What’s another way to say just because?
- How do you say even though?
- What is a just because poem?
- Does just because mean no reason?
- What does just cuz mean?
1 achieve, acquire, attain, bag, bring, come by, come into possession of, earn, fall heir to, fetch, gain, glean, inherit, land, make, net, obtain, pick up, procure, realize, reap, receive, score (slang) secure, succeed to, win.
What can I say instead of way?
What is another word for way?
| method | system |
|---|---|
| tactics | mode |
| road | route |
| alternative | modus |
| option | modus operandi |
What are some synonyms of ways?
access
- admittance.
- approach.
- avenue.
- connection.
- contact.
- course.
- door.
- entrance.
How do you say by the way in other words?
Synonyms for By the way
- incidentally. adv.
- by the by. v. & adv.
- parenthetically. adv.
- in passing. adv.
- moreover. adv.
- by the bye. adv.
- anyway. adv.
- apropos. adj. & adv.
How do you say by the way in professional way?
You can use the term “relevantly” if the topic is related and pertinent to the original point you are discussing. Or, if you’re offering it as evidence, you can simply say “as evidence”, or otherwise indicate the reason you are including this extra information.
How do you use besides And besides in a sentence?
“Besides” is also a preposition that means “in addition to” or “apart from.” It’s can also serve as an adverb that means “furthermore” or “another thing.” Example: Come and sit beside me. Your shirt is beside the closet.
How use besides in a sentence?
in addition.
- I’ve got no family besides my parents.
- Besides milk and butter, we need some vegetables.
- Besides milk and cheese, we need vegetables.
- I don’t want to go; besides, I’m too tired.
- There were nine pounds left, besides some pennies.
- Besides milk and butter, we need some.
How do you start besides?
However, colloquially, beginning a sentence with “besides” makes perfect sense: “He didn’t go to the store because he was tired. Besides, it was raining.” I would usually say “And besides, it was raining”, but I think that is just a personal preference.
Does Besides mean except?
Except is used to exclude something from the sentence. Besides is a preposition, which is used to include something in the sentences. Except and Besides may sound similar by meaning but one is used to exclude and another is used include something in the sentence as well as in the context.
What is the example of also?
Also is defined as in addition. An example of also is packing a tuna sandwich as well as a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. In addition; likewise; too; besides. In addition; besides.
How do you say because in a fancy way?
Synonyms of because
- ’cause,
- as,
- as long as,
- being (as or as how or that)
- [chiefly dialect],
- considering,
- for,
- inasmuch as,
What’s another way to say just because?
What is another word for just because?
| for fun | for no good reason |
|---|---|
| for no particular reason | for no reason in particular |
| for the hell of it | for the sake of it |
| no reason | without cause |
How do you say even though?
other words for even though
- still.
- though.
- yet.
- nonetheless.
- notwithstanding.
- although.
- but.
- regardless.
What is a just because poem?
“Just Because” Template. Poetry deals with the emotions, just as with music. An autobiographical poem is personal; it reveals something about the person writing the poem. It does not have to rhyme.
Does just because mean no reason?
The definition of “just because” is: for no reason B: Just because.
What does just cuz mean?
commitments simply just cause
By
Last updated:
April 9, 2023
How to Ask for and Give Directions Flawlessly in English: 32 Essential Words and Phrases
You’ve been planning this trip to New York for months.
But you didn’t plan on this.
You’re in the middle of Times Square and you have no idea which way is north or how to get to the TKTS Booth to get your theater tickets to “The Phantom of the Opera.”
That’s when you realize something is missing from Google Maps.
But what?
No, I don’t mean a new store or a diversion due to roadwork.
It’s the clarification that comes from social interaction and real-world conversation.
I know you might be shy and it’s hard to stop a stranger on the street. Perhaps you’re not confident about your spoken English fluency. Maybe it’s your listening skills that you’re worried about.
But have you thought about the fun of talking to a local? He or she might be able to tell you about a cool cafe where you can stop on the way to your destination. You’ll get to practice English conversation—and we all know that practice makes perfect.
So don’t be shy! Put your phone in your pocket and ask away. We’ll help you with ways to ask and give directions in English. One day, it’ll be your turn to help a lost traveler. When that happens, you’ll be confident thanks to what you learn in this post.
Let’s jump in!
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Approaching strangers to ask for directions could be intimidating. You’re not sure that they will understand you. Also, everyone seems to hide their nose in their phones or wear headphones when they walk through the streets.
Don’t worry. We’ll give you some phrases to add to your travel vocabulary that’ll get someone’s attention. These polite expressions are a great way to start a conversation and get the help you need.
Excuse me
This phrase is used frequently. You hear it all the time on the street or in a shop. People say “Excuse me” before asking another person to do something (like showing you the way to the theater!).
When using it, pronounce “me” with a longer vowel and a higher pitch to indicate the question to come.
Excuse me? Where is the nearest souvenir shop?
Sorry to bother you…
It’s another way to let a stranger know that you’re asking something from them and you appreciate their help.
Sorry to bother you, but would you mind showing me the way to post office?
May I ask…?
You can use this expression to start a question in a courteous manner. Remember that you don’t have to reverse the word order when you continue with the “where…” part. In grammar rules, it’s the issue of embedded questions or indirect questions.
May I ask where the Marriott hotel is?
Could you please…?
You follow this expression with a verb such as “show,” “point,” “help” etc.
Could you please point me in the direction of the main square?
I am (I’m) lost.
Excuse me? I’m lost. Could you please help me find 5th Avenue?
I can’t seem to read this map.
Sorry to bother you. I can’t seem to read this map.
This is my first time in the city.
May I ask you a question? This is my first time in the city.
How do I get to…?
Excuse me? How do I get to Times Square?
Which way to…?
Sorry to bother you, but which way to Main Street?
Can you help me find…?
Excuse me? Can you help me find Hotel Pennsylvania? This is my first time in the city.
How to Give Directions in English
If you’re in a big tourist destination like New York City, chances are someone will come up to you to ask for help. It’s important to give the right directions because you don’t want other people to get (more) lost, do you?
That means you’ll need to use the right spatial prepositions (which describe where things are) and not get confused between “right” and “left.” Make sure to use imperative sentences (like this one) to sound confident when telling someone where to go.
You start with a simple verb to give clear instructions and add in spatial prepositions. Use landmarks like churches or parks so that people know they’re headed in the right direction. (In other words, learn nouns.)
Let’s crack open each topic one at a time, so that we can give better directions.
Walk along/walk straight down
Walk along 6th Avenue until you find the Rockefeller Center Station.
Turn left/right
Turn left at the intersection and the building is on the right.
Go around/over/under
Go over the bridge and turn left at the next stoplight.
Make a left/right turn
Make a left turn when you see the Hard Rock Cafe.
Head to
Head to Hudson Theatre and you’ll see the restaurant on the right.
Take the [first/second] road on your [left/right]
Take the second road on your left, and the museum will be on the left.
Continue down/Follow
Continue down West 45th Street until you get to the bus stop.
Follow this street for 10 minutes before turning left at West 41st Street.
Beside
Meaning: on the side of something else
The Imperial Theatre is beside the New York Marriott Marquis hotel.
Next to
Meaning: to the side of, similar to “beside” but can be used if there’s nothing in between
The New York Marriott Marquis hotel is next to the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
Near
Meaning: close, not far
The Rockefeller Center Station is near West 46th Street.
To the left/right of
Meaning: as long as you don’t get confused between left or right (or get political) this one is straightforward. If you stand in the middle of an avenue facing north, buildings to the east are on the right and the buildings to the west are on the left.
The post office is to the right of the corner store.
Between
Meaning: to have someone or something on each side
The Broadhurst Theatre is between the PlayStation Theater and the Majestic Theatre.
Behind
Meaning: being at someone or something’s back
The restaurant is just behind the metro station.
In front of
Meaning: if something is in front of you, it’s in a position where you can see it if you look forwards (see the example with “around the corner”)
When you turn a corner, you’ll find yourself in front of the church.
Across from
Meaning: on the other side of a road, river, etc.
The New York Marriott Marquis hotel is across from the Disney Store.
Around the corner
Meaning: you’ll find something when you turn a corner (a place where two streets meet)
If you’re in front of the Disney Store on 7th Avenue, then the Saint Mary The Virgin Church is around the corner.
On the…street/avenue
Meaning: to be situated (located)
The Disney Store and the New York Marriott Marquis are both on 7th Avenue.
At the crossroads/intersection
Meaning: a place where two roads meet (especially when one is a major street)
You’ll see a big mall at the intersection of 6th Avenue and West 51st Street.
Bridge
Cross the bridge and the hotel is on the first street on the left.
Park
Walk past the park, and keep going straight until you see the sign for the museum.
Churche
McDonald’s is past the church on West 51st Street.
Square
Times Square begins at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue.
It’s also useful to know the names of more common things you find in most big cities, like blocks, malls, coffee shops (e.g. Starbucks).
If you’re giving directions in the countryside or on a walking trail, you’ll probably need nouns like big trees, a fast-running river, hills, etc.
Now you have some vocabulary to start giving directions and asking for directions!
If you still have concerns about how to break into a conversation or how to pronounce certain words, there are tons of videos on YouTube about this topic and even some that allow you to practice with a map! You can also check out FluentU.
Asking and giving directions are important components of basic conversational language. We hope the structure and words in this article will enlarge your travel vocabulary and make you comfortable enough to ask and give directions.
Knowing these words will make you feel more confident to go places and start talking with the locals. Who knows what’s awaiting you!
Happy travels!
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
You will learn
real quickly that you do not always get your way and you will keep for two instead of one.
Вы узнаете реальное быстро, что вы не всегда получите ваш путь и вы будете удерживать на два вместо одного.
You’re only saying that because you’re
getting
your way.
Ты говоришь это, потому что получилось по-твоему.
You’re complimenting me so you will
get
your way.
It’s not just talking to someone so you can
get
your way.
Это не просто болтовня с кем-то, кто покажет тебе твой путь.
The experience is crucial to overcome the obstacles
getting
in your way as a bowman.
Опыт просто необходим, чтобы преодолевать препятствия на вашем пути в роли лучника.
Mrs. Florrick, you knew he was in love with you, and you used it to
get
your way?
Миссис Флоррик, вы знали, что он в вас влюблен, и использовали это, чтобы он сделал по-вашему?
This minute that’s
getting
in your way, that’s keeping you from being
your
authentic self.
Этот момент, что встал у вас на пути, что удерживает
вас
от того, чтобы стать самим собой.
If I would have known,
I could have prevented her from
getting
in your way.
If you always
get
your way, you will give the devil such joy that the saints
will punish you with boils and toothaches.
Если ты всегда будешь делать по-своему, то ты всегда будешь угождать дьяволу… и
святые будут наказывать тебя зубной болью.
You’re just glad you
got
your way again and that, somehow or other, I always end up doing exactly what you want.
Ты просто рада, что все опять по-твоему, и тому, что, так или иначе, в конечном итоге я делаю именно то, что ты хотела.
In fact wherever negative emotions are
getting
in your way PSTEC is designed to make
your
life better.
Неважно какие негативные эмоции вам мешают, PSTEC разработан так, чтобы сделать вашу жизнь лучше.
You’re used to
getting
your
way,
aren’t you?
Ты привык добиваться своего, так?
Don’t be all sulky just’cause You’re not
getting
your
way
for once.
Ну не дуйтесь только потому что не будет по вашему один разок.
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English
—
Russian
Russian
—
English
Ever found yourself lost in a different country where your native language isn’t necessarily the language spoken there? Maybe stuck at an airport in between two flights? Yes? Okay, great.
This article will provide you with the best words and phrases for giving and asking for directions in English regardless of where you go and the local language spoken there.
However, before going further into details, I’d like for us to first go over one essential, which all the other words and phrases simply cannot go without.
Excuse Yourself
When asking for directions, never underestimate the power of your first impression on other people. Different cultures have different customs, hence different ways of greeting people, especially in public places.
It is the defining moment before one gets directions that are actually true or gets some at all.
Therefore, when you’re asking for directions, it is vital that you always approach a stranger with a simple «Excuse me» or «Sorry» before doing so. An immediate «Hello», «Hi» or «Can I ask you a question?» might exert different reactions and even push people away, depending on the context.
However, an «Excuse me» is simply the perfect introduction to whatever question or conversation you might have. Because English is such a widely spoken language, people will immediately understand that you are trying to converse in English and get themselves ready to help you.
Let’s consider the following examples:
Hi. or Hello + main question
Can I ask you a question? + main question
While these expressions are pretty straight-forward and easy to utter, they might not exert the required reaction and might actually scare people away if you startle them, as explained above. How about adding «Excuse me» at the beginning of your conversation right before asking your desired question?
Excuse me. Hello. + main question
Sorry. Hi. Can I ask you a question? + main question
Excuse me. Hi. Can I ask you a question? + main question
Ah… suddenly, the air’s a bit clearer. You not only sound pleasant, but people actually want to help you.
Other polite expressions and useful phrases you can throw in there are:
Sorry to bother you.
I’m (kind of) lost.
I’m struggling to find my way around this map.
The same goes for giving directions. Greet people with a simple «Hello» or «Hi» even if they don’t do so in the first place.
Trust me, simple verbal gestures like this can be game-changers as far as getting your conversation with a stranger in a foreign city or country to the next level.
Once you’ve mastered the art of approaching someone the right way, the next step involves showing how well you can actually lead a conversation in English to either get or give the desired directions, regardless of whether it’s in the street, at an airport or right next to your seat on the public transport.
Get Directions Quickly
If you want to ask for directions and get them, you have to be able to use the right expression, phrase or question at just the right time in order to make the person you’re approaching understand you and help you, at the very best.
To do so, here are some extremely helpful utterances that more or less never fail to hit their mark.
Could you (please) tell me where … is?
Could you tell me where the new Starbucks is?
I’m looking for… Could you (please) tell me where it is?
I’m looking for the Empire State Building. Could you please tell me where it is?
Could you (please) help me find…?
Could you help me find the Rotler’s library on 6th Street?
Which way (leads) to…?
Which way to Madison Square Garden?
May I ask where … is?
May I ask where Marienplatz is?
How do I get to…?
How do I get to the nearest metro station?
Note #1: In the sentences above, «could» can easily be replaced with «can» in each case. However, «could» is a tad bit more polite.
Note #2: Always remember to thank the person helping you by using any of the common English phrases used to show appreciation, such as «Thank you», «Thanks a lot», «Highly appreciate it», «God bless you», etc.
Moreover, it would be even better if you did some research beforehand about the most common greetings in that location to truly show your appreciation, regardless of what you say is in English or not.
Give Directions Cautiously
If you happen to get approached by someone in need of directions, it is your sacred duty to help them. Granted, you yourself might be a foreigner in a foreign country being approached by another foreigner in need of those directions, but isn’t that what language is supposed to do — connect people?
Here are some great ways to always lend a helping hand and practice (or flaunt) your English in a conversation where you’re the one giving the directions, not the other way around. I’ll try to cover as many examples as possible, given the number of different situations one can find themselves in.
Go straight ahead on
Go straight ahead on Route 25 for 2 miles.
Go down
Go down Route 25 for 2 miles.
Go along
Go along Route 25 for 2 miles.
Follow
Follow Route 25 for 2 miles.
Note: The four examples above carry absolutely the same meaning in terms of directions. The verb «go» can also be easily replaced with e.g. «walk», «run», «proceed», «continue», etc. and many other vocabulary items, depending on the context.
Turn right/left
Turn right on 5th and Lurk.
Take a right/left turn
Take a right turn on 5th and Lurk.
Make a right/left turn
Make a right turn on 5th and Lurk.
Note: The three examples above carry absolutely the same meaning in terms of directions, as well. You can show even greater language skill by incorporating even more information in such a short expression, e.g. «take the first/second turn right/left» depending on the context.
Head to
Head to the Majestic Fountain and then turn right before the entrance.
And many more…
Now, there are a few more conversational aspects to consider when giving directions to someone:
- Chronological order
Carefully provide correct but clear directions, regardless of how complicated they might seem. You can easily do that by putting the required steps in a somewhat chronological order through the usage of words such as: «First», «Second», «Then», «Once you get there», etc.
First, take the left turn right here. Then, go straight ahead on Road 25 for about 2 miles. You’re supposed to reach a big roundabout. Once you get there, take the right exit and proceed…
- Spatial Prepositions
To better explain where a specific place or building is located in relation to something else, use prepositions, such as «over», «under», «around», «next to», «near», etc.
Go around the statue and proceed down the running lane.
Once you go under the bridge, there should be a bus station nearby.
- Advice and Suggestions
The easiest route might not always be the fastest one. You know it; I know it. Sometimes, bad traffic or construction work gets in the way of a great traveling experience. If you’re aware of that, you should share. Still, try to make your English as clear as possible for any listener.
Going down Route 25 might seem shorter, but you’re gonna wanna going to want to take a left turn to Route 26 and take the second exit on the first roundabout. That way, you can avoid any possible traffic. That road usually gets flooded very busy at this time of day. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about!
Oh… and no matter who you’re talking to, don’t use idioms or uncommon expressions to get your point across. Simple, plain English will suffice. You can still demonstrate your English knowledge and conversational skills without these pretty well.
Of course, that’s as long as you don’t make any pronunciation mistakes that are not necessarily native-like.
The Round-Up
Whether you’re the one giving or asking for directions, it only matters that one doesn’t get lost. Wherever you are in the world, the English language will almost never let you down.
A simple «Excuse me» can take you places. However, knowing what to say right after that is what always determines the next step on your journey, regardless of where and how you travel.
Use your English like a pro when you travel. Just try to remember today’s tips on your next trip around the world to ensure you or anyone else traveling never misses a destination again.
Bon voyage!
(redirected from get your way)
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get (one’s) (own) way
To get or have what one wants; to have things done according to one’s personal preference or desires. If Tommy doesn’t get his way, he’ll start having a tantrum that could last all night. Samantha always has to get her own way when it comes to dividing responsibilities for group assignments.
have (one’s) (own) way
To get or have what one wants; to have things done according to one’s personal preference or decision. If Tommy doesn’t have his way, he’ll start throwing a tantrum that could last all night. Samantha always has to have her own way when it comes to dividing responsibilities for group assignments.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get/have your (own) ˈway
(also have it/things/everything (all) your (own) ˈway) get, believe or do what you want, usually in spite of the wishes or feelings of others: She always gets her own way in the end. ♢ All right, have it your own way — I’m tired of arguing.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
- (the) master of (one’s) own destiny
- (the) master of (one’s) own fate
- destiny
- get past
- get past (oneself)
- be (the) master of (one’s) own destiny
- be (the) master of (one’s) own fate
- become (the) master of (one’s) own fate
- become the master of (one’s) own destiny
- your hands are tied