When writing about public transportation or simply referring to a vehicle that carries multiple passengers, you might come across two forms of the word: buses and busses. At first glance, both might seem fine, but they are not always interchangeable. In fact, choosing the right spelling can be tricky for many writers, especially those learning English as a second language.
This article will clarify the difference between “buses” and “busses,” explaining when to use each and why the confusion often happens.Many people mistakenly think these two forms are synonyms, but they are not. The choice between them depends on the context, and knowing the right one can make a big difference in your writing.
Let’s dive into the origin, usage, and key differences between “buses” and “busses” so you can confidently write and avoid common mistakes.
Buses – Quick Answer
- Buses is the correct plural form of the noun “bus.”
- Busses is rarely used and is mostly a variant spelling in non-standard usage.
- When to use:
- Always use buses in formal and standard English.
- Use busses only when referring to the verb form “to buss” (meaning to kiss) in some contexts.
The Origin of Buses
The word “bus” originated in the early 19th century, derived from the Latin word “omnibus”, which means “for all.” This term was used to describe a vehicle that was intended to carry multiple passengers, a predecessor to the modern bus.
As the word “bus” became more common, the plural form followed the standard English rule of adding -es to words that end in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh (such as boxes, taxes, or matches). Thus, buses became the accepted plural form.
In contrast, busses is an uncommon, often non-standard spelling that can appear in older or less formal writings. Historically, “busses” was used as a plural form, but over time, the usage has fallen out of favor. The consensus in modern English is clear: buses is the preferred plural.
British English vs. American English Spelling
The spelling of “buses” or “busses” does not change between British and American English. Both dialects consistently prefer buses as the plural form of “bus.”
Example:
- British English: I rode on two buses to get to work today.
- American English: There were buses parked outside the stadium.
In both cases, buses is used. There is no distinction in spelling between the two varieties of English.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Buses is the recommended spelling for nearly all situations. Here’s a breakdown based on audience or purpose:
- For U.S. and U.K. writers: Always use buses. It is the widely accepted and standard plural form.
- For professional writing: In business, academic, or technical contexts, use buses.
- In informal contexts: You may occasionally see busses used in creative or non-standard writing, but buses is still the better choice.
Common Mistakes with Buses
Many writers get confused by the plural form of “bus,” either by using busses instead of buses or failing to understand why buses is used in specific contexts. Here’s a quick guide to some common mistakes:
- ❌ Incorrect: “I need to catch two busses to work.”
- ✅ Correct: “I need to catch two buses to work.”
Additionally, some writers mistakenly use busses when referring to the verb form “to buss,” meaning “to kiss.” For example:
- Incorrect: “She bussed him goodbye.”
- Correct: “She kissed him goodbye.”
Buses in Everyday Examples
To better understand the correct usage of buses, let’s explore some common examples in different contexts.
Emails:
- “The buses were delayed this morning, so I will be late.”
News:
- “A fleet of buses arrived to transport the crowd to the concert.”
Social Media:
- “Who else loves taking buses for city tours?”
Formal Writing:
- “The company has invested in electric buses to reduce carbon emissions.”
Buses – Usage Patterns & Search Interest
Buses is by far the more common term, especially among students, writers, and ESL learners. It ranks highly in search interest due to its prevalence in both everyday conversations and formal contexts. The term is frequently used in travel-related searches, public transport discussions, and news articles.
One real-world scenario where misuse of the word might cause confusion: A writer might mistakenly write “busses” instead of “buses,” which would confuse readers into thinking the writer is referring to a completely different concept (like “bussing” or kissing). This can diminish the clarity of the writing, especially in formal or professional contexts.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Buses | Busses |
| Meaning | Plural form of “bus” | Rare form; mostly refers to the verb “to buss” |
| Part of Speech | Noun (plural) | Noun (rare plural) or verb (to buss) |
| Context of Use | Public transport, general reference to buses | Verb usage, informal contexts |
| Formal vs Informal | Formal and informal | Informal, rarely used |
| Common Mistakes | Spelling mistakes, “busses” instead of “buses” | Using “busses” in all contexts |
| Correct Example | “The buses are on time today.” | “She bussed him on the cheek.” |
Semantic FAQs
Is “buses” the same as “busses”?
No, buses is the correct plural form of “bus,” while busses is a less common variant used in non-standard contexts or when referring to the verb “to buss.”
Which one is correct in formal writing?
Buses is always correct in formal writing. It is the standard plural form.
Can they be used interchangeably?
No, they should not be used interchangeably. Always use buses in formal writing, while busses is rare and mainly refers to the verb “to buss.”
Why do people confuse them?
The confusion often arises because busses was historically used as the plural form. However, buses has become the standard spelling over time.
Can grammar tools catch this mistake?
Yes, most grammar checkers will flag busses as incorrect in contexts where buses should be used.
Is there a British vs American difference?
No, there is no difference between British and American English when it comes to buses. Both use buses as the plural form.
Conclusion
In short, buses is the correct plural form of “bus” and should be used in almost all contexts. Busses is an outdated and less commonly accepted variant, often confused with the verb form “to buss.” To avoid mistakes, remember this rule: when referring to more than one bus, always use buses.
By sticking to buses, your writing will be clear, formal, and free from confusion. The key mistake to avoid is using busses when referring to the plural form of “bus.” Keep it simple: for plural references to buses, just add -es to “bus” – buses.
I am Ethan Blake, a passionate writer dedicated to crafting heartfelt messages that spread love, joy, and inspiration.
