Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, everyone!

When you are asked for directions, I understand you may say,"Walk down/ up /through the street and turn right at the next traffic lights..."

In this case, even though "down" is used most frequently, they have the same meaning. I don't know why "down" and "up" are used interchangeably without any difference in meaning. Is this a matter of convention and asking for a logical explanation doesn't get me anywhere?
I teach English to elementary-level learners and this is one of the FAQs they ask me.

I'd appreciate any kind of replies/ suggestions.

Thank you.

yoshi-pooh

[CP]

If the street is not level, then usually people say up the street if the direction is uphill, down the street if downhill. Otherwise, I don't think people care much whether it is up or down. They both mean travel along this street.

Usually you won't hear through the street for directions.

Others may have more on this. Good luck, Yoshi.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, CP

Thank you for your reply.

yoshii-pooh