Can somebody explain how directions work in English?
Hi folks.
I just can't get my fucking head around when it comes to understanding directions in English.
If I'm walking on a flat street without any hills, how to understand whether I'm walking down or up the street? Does it have something to do with increasing the number of houses on this street?
Even more confusing. "He crept silentrly out of his room and down the hall to the bathroom". Hold on, the hall is flat, isn't it? How could someone be walking down a hall? Is he digging into the hall to the first floor?
Can someone provide a decent answer?
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 4
1
The answer to this is that it really doesn't matter and there is no logical answer as far as I know. "Going up the road" or "going down the road" are both just slang for "going along the road" and shouldn't be taken literally. As a general rule I would use "going down" if it was South and "going up" if it was North. If it's East or West I would probably look at the gradient if it is a hill - are you literally going up or down hill? To confuse things even more you could even say "going over the road to the shop".
"Down the hall" is a bit different you would just always say that as an expression, you would never really say "go up the hall" but even if you did people would still probably understand. Sorry, English can be weird!
0
@Peachey, I'm OK. I'm sure you know how frustrating it is to learn a new language.
0
Are you OK, mate? You sound extremely upset. They're only words.
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
