En 15 secondes
- Move forward in a direct line without turning.
- Used for walking, driving, or giving general directions.
- Often followed by a distance like 'two blocks'.
Signification
This phrase tells someone to keep moving forward without turning left or right. It is the simplest way to give directions when the destination is on the same road.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Giving directions to a tourist
Go straight for two blocks and the museum is on your left.
Go straight for two blocks and the museum is on your left.
Guiding a friend while driving
Go straight through the next traffic light.
Go straight through the next traffic light.
A formal office tour
Please go straight down this hallway to the conference room.
Please go straight down this hallway to the conference room.
Contexte culturel
Americans often use 'blocks' as a unit of measurement when saying 'go straight.' In the UK, 'go straight on' is more common than 'go straight ahead.' Australians might say 'keep going straight' to reassure someone they are on the right path. In international business English, 'going straight to the point' is valued for saving time.
Use landmarks
When telling someone to go straight, always mention a landmark so they know when to stop.
Right vs. Straight
Be careful if your native language is Spanish or Italian; don't confuse 'right' and 'straight'!
En 15 secondes
- Move forward in a direct line without turning.
- Used for walking, driving, or giving general directions.
- Often followed by a distance like 'two blocks'.
What It Means
Go straight is your best friend when giving directions. It means you should keep your body or car facing the same way. Do not turn left. Do not turn right. Just keep moving forward on the current path. It is simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You use it at the start or middle of a set of directions. You can say go straight for two blocks or go straight until you see the park. It usually follows a starting point. It is often paired with a distance or a landmark. This helps the person know when to stop going straight.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is lost and asks for help. It works perfectly when walking in a city. It is also great when driving with a friend. Use it at a mall to find a specific store. If the path is a direct line, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if the road curves significantly. If they need to follow a winding path, say follow the road. Avoid using it if there is a confusing fork in the road. In that case, specify stay to the left. Also, do not use it to mean 'be honest' in a formal setting. That is a different expression entirely.
Cultural Background
English speakers value efficiency when giving directions. We like to get to the point quickly. In many Western cities, streets are organized in grids. This makes go straight the most common instruction you will hear. It reflects a culture that likes clear, linear progress.
Common Variations
You might hear go straight ahead for extra emphasis. Some people say keep going straight if you are already moving. In the UK, you might hear go straight on. All of these mean exactly the same thing. Don't let the extra words confuse you!
Notes d'usage
This is a Level A1 phrase, meaning it is essential for basic survival English. It is safe to use in any social or professional situation without risk of being rude.
Use landmarks
When telling someone to go straight, always mention a landmark so they know when to stop.
Right vs. Straight
Be careful if your native language is Spanish or Italian; don't confuse 'right' and 'straight'!
Add 'ahead'
Adding 'ahead' makes your directions sound more natural and confident.
Be direct
In English, 'going straight to the point' is usually seen as a positive trait in business.
Exemples
6Go straight for two blocks and the museum is on your left.
Go straight for two blocks and the museum is on your left.
A standard way to give walking directions.
Go straight through the next traffic light.
Go straight through the next traffic light.
Specifies an intersection to pass.
Please go straight down this hallway to the conference room.
Please go straight down this hallway to the conference room.
Used politely with 'please' in a professional setting.
Just go straight! You'll see the big blue sign.
Just go straight! You'll see the big blue sign.
Short and urgent for text communication.
I said go straight, not into the fountain!
I said go straight, not into the fountain!
Using the phrase to highlight a mistake.
Don't look back, just go straight toward your new life.
Don't look back, just go straight toward your new life.
Using direction as a metaphor for moving forward in life.
Teste-toi
Complete the direction.
To get to the park, ____ straight for two blocks.
'Go straight' is the standard phrase for continuing in one direction.
Which sentence is correct?
A: Go straightly ahead. B: Go straight ahead.
'Straight' is the correct adverb form in this context.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Excuse me, where is the library? B: ________ past the bank and you will see it.
The context of 'past the bank' suggests continuing forward.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are telling a former thief to live a better life.
This is the figurative meaning of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTo get to the park, ____ straight for two blocks.
'Go straight' is the standard phrase for continuing in one direction.
A: Go straightly ahead. B: Go straight ahead.
'Straight' is the correct adverb form in this context.
A: Excuse me, where is the library? B: ________ past the bank and you will see it.
The context of 'past the bank' suggests continuing forward.
You are telling a former thief to live a better life.
This is the figurative meaning of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with anyone.
They mean the same thing, but 'ahead' adds emphasis.
Yes, if the person is walking. 'Go' is more general.
It means to follow the 'straight' (honest) path of the law.
It exists but is almost never used in this context. Use 'straight'.
You can say 'go straight on.'
No, it only refers to the direction, not the speed.
No, it is for physical direction or moral behavior.
You can still say 'go straight' if there are no turns to take.
Use 'go' for commands. Use 'goes' to describe a road (e.g., 'The road goes straight').
Expressions liées
Straight ahead
similarDirectly in front
Go straight to the point
specialized formSpeak directly
Keep going
similarContinue movement
Make a right
contrastTurn right
Go straight to bed
specialized formGo to bed immediately
