ask for directions

Meaning

This phrase means to request guidance from someone when you do not know how to reach a destination. It is a common and polite way to find your way around a new city or place.

Examples

• If you get lost in the subway, just ask for directions.

  If you get lost in the subway, just ask for directions.

• I had to ask for directions because my phone battery died.

  I had to ask for directions because my phone battery died.

• Don't be shy to ask for directions; local people are usually very helpful.

  Don't be shy to ask for directions; local people are usually very helpful.

• We stopped at a gas station to ask for directions to the hotel.

  We stopped at a gas station to ask for directions to the hotel.

• She hates to ask for directions and prefers using a map.

  She hates to ask for directions and prefers using a map.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to ask directions to the museum.

  ✓ I need to ask for directions to the museum.

  The preposition 'for' is necessary after 'ask' when requesting help or information.

• ✗ We asked a direction from the police officer.

  ✓ We asked for directions from the police officer.

  'Directions' is almost always plural in this context, and we use the phrasal verb 'ask for'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If we can't find the museum, we should stop and ___.

  💡 Request help to find the way.

  Show answer

  ask for directions

• I had to ___ because my GPS stopped working.

  💡 Query someone on how to get somewhere.

  Show answer

  ask for directions