English Chit Chat. Directions Video

Here is my latest video on asking for and giving directions.

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Here's the script of the video:

In this video I will explain how to ask for and give directions. When we need to ask for directions, we often approach someone on the street and ask for their help. So we first need to get their attention. We can do this by saying 'Excuse me'. Then we can ask for directions. We can ask: How do I get to the library? Or: Could you tell me how to get to the library? Let's review the language we need to give directions.
Go up Oak Street.
Go straight for two blocks.
Turn right.
Turn left.
It's on your right.
It's on your left.

Let's get some practice. This person looks lost. Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to the library? Sure. Go straight for two blocks. Turn right onto Fifth Avenue. It's on your left. Now listen to my directions and see if you can follow the directions and say the destination. What is the place I'm giving directions to? Start from here. Go straight. Turn right onto Fourth Avenue. Go down Fourth Avenue for two blocks. It's on your left. Where did my directions take you? Let's follow the directions again. Go straight. Turn right onto Fourth Avenue. Go down Fourth Avenue for two blocks. It's on your left. I gave you directions to the museum. Did you get it right?

Let's practice again. Go down Third Avenue for two blocks. Turn left onto Queen Street. Go up Queen Street for three blocks. It's on your left. Where did my directions take you? I gave you directions to the high school.

English Chit Chat. Commands and Instructions Video

Here is my latest video on commands and instruction, also known as imperatives.

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Here's the script of the video:

Let’s start with commands. We use commands when we want to tell someone to do something.

For example: open the window.

If we add ‘please’ at the end then this becomes a polite request. Open the window, please.

However, when you want someone to do something, it is better to form the request as a question, and not to use an imperative.

Such as: Can you turn the volume down, please?

We also use imperatives when giving instructions on how to do something. We do not need to use polite language when giving instructions, because we are helping the other person rather than asking for something.

For example, here are instructions on how to bake a cake: first measure the ingredients, then mix the ingredients…

You would also use imperatives when giving directions on how to get somewhere. For example: go straight for two blocks, turn right onto Fifth Avenue.