At this point, you probably already feel confident when asking for and giving directions, especially because technologies like Google Maps make it relatively easy to find your way even in the most unfamiliar places. Still, let us introduce you to a few potentially new expressions and phrases that will help you discuss how far things are from one another and move you a bit further from the standard “How do I get to A from B?

Both ‘further’ and ‘farther’ are the comparative forms of ‘far.’ When discussing distance (physical, emotional, etc.), you can use both; however, ‘farther’ is more common in American English, while ‘further’ is more common in British English, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary. For example: I have to travel further/farther to work now. To talk about the degree or extent of something, ‘further‘ is usually preferred: Let’s explore the idea further. Additionally, ‘further,’ but not ‘farther,’ can mean ‘more’ or ‘additional’: Further investigation is required.

About the Verb ‘to Head’

If you head somewhere, or are headed somewhere, you move in a particular direction. Note that ‘to head’ is an intransitive verb, which means you cannot use a direct object after it; you need a preposition or an adverb. For example:

1. Let’s head back home.
2. She headed for the door.
3. Head towards the mall.
4. The boat was heading out to sea.
5. She stood up and headed toward the exit.
6. Just head down the street.
7. Head to the gardens.
8. We headed west for two days.
9. Where are you headed? / Where are we heading? – I’m headed / I’m heading to the store to pick up some groceries.
10. They are headed for the beach this weekend.
11. He is headed home after a long day at work.
12. They were headed toward the mountains for a hike.

Asking For Directions	Giving Directions	Mentioning Distance
Could you please guide me to the nearest subway station?	Just head down this street and take a left at the corner.	The art museum is about a 15-minute walk from here.
Would you be able to direct me toward the city center?	To get to the gallery, proceed straight for about two blocks, then take a left.	The gardens are around 25 minutes away on foot.
Can you tell me the way to the art museum from here?	Head east along Main Street until you reach the roundabout; the restaurant will be on your right.	It’s only a few stops away.
I’m looking for the quickest route to the conference center; could you assist/help me?	You’ll want to continue down this road for approximately a mile before making a right turn.	It’s just 10 minutes by tram.
Is there a landmark I should look for as I make my way to the library?	After you pass the park, keep going until you see the bank; the museum is just beyond that.	It’s (❕) approximately 2 km from here to the nearest gas station.
Could you provide me with the best way to navigate to the local market?	Once you reach the intersection, take a sharp left, and you’ll find the bookstore on your left-hand side.	The beach is about a 15-minute drive away, depending on traffic.
Would you mind pointing me in the direction of the town hall?	To access the train station, follow this road for about half a kilometer, and it will be on your left.	It’s a short walk of roughly ten minutes to the café.
Could you clarify the way to the historical district?	Make your way toward the hilltop, and the view will be spectacular.	The park is situated roughly three miles from the city center.
Is there a shortcut to the library that you could recommend?	You’ll want to travel north for roughly 2 km, then make a right turn onto Elm Street.	It’s a considerable distance to the hiking trail – around 5 miles
Can you advise me on how to find the nearest pharmacy?	After passing the school, keep going until you see the grocery store; the community center is just past that.	You’ll find the library just a stone’s throw away – about 500 meters from here.
Could you kindly indicate how I might reach the nearest train station?	At the intersection, take a sharp right, and you’ll find the restaurant a short distance ahead.	The nearest pharmacy is a good half-mile away, so plan accordingly.

❕Note that if you need a dummy subject for a sentence mentioning distance, it should be ‘it’: 1) It’s approximately two kilometers from here to the nearest gas station. 2) It’s a short walk of roughly 10 minutes to the café.

🗺 Would you like to practice asking for and giving directions, as well as mentioning distance, using the phrases above? Use this map and write your responses in the comments below. We promise to get back to you!