The English language is full of quirks, and one common question is about the correct plural of “bus.” Should it be busses or buses? While both forms exist, one is far more widely accepted in modern usage.
In most cases, buses is the standard plural form you’ll encounter. It is the version preferred in dictionaries, formal writing, and everyday communication. Meanwhile, busses is considered less common and often outdated.
Adding to the confusion, busses can also mean “kisses,” making it a potential source of ambiguity. To keep your writing clear and aligned with current norms, it’s best to use buses when referring to vehicles.
Understanding Plurals in English
Plurals in English can be tricky, as they often don’t follow a consistent pattern. Some words add “s” or “es,” while others completely change form. This variety can cause confusion, especially with irregular nouns.
For example, words like “child” become “children,” and “tooth” becomes “teeth,” defying the usual rules. Similarly, some nouns like “fish” remain unchanged in their plural form, further complicating the rules.
Understanding these nuances requires familiarity with common patterns and exceptions. Whether it’s regular or irregular plurals, practice and context can help you navigate the complexities of English grammar.
Regular Plurals
Regular plurals are formed by adding -s or -es to the end of a noun. This rule applies to most English words, making them straightforward to learn. Here are the basic guidelines:
Add -s: For most nouns, simply add -s, such as “cat” becoming “cats” or “book” becoming “books.”
Add -es: If a noun ends in s, x, z, sh, or ch, add -es (e.g., “bus” becomes “buses”).
Change -y to -ies: For nouns ending in a consonant plus -y, change the -y to -ies (e.g., “baby” becomes “babies”).
Mastering these basics ensures correct pluralization for the majority of English words.
Irregular Plurals
Irregular plurals don’t follow the standard rules and often require memorization. These nouns may change completely, stay the same, or follow unique patterns. Examples include:
Complete Changes: Words like “man” become “men,” and “child” transforms into “children.”
No Change: Nouns such as “sheep” and “fish” remain the same in both singular and plural forms.
Borrowed Forms: Words from other languages, like “cactus” (plural: “cacti”) and “phenomenon” (plural: “phenomena”), retain their original pluralization.
Understanding irregular plurals involves practice and recognizing exceptions.
The Plural of “Buses or Busses”
The proper plural of “bus” is “buses.” This is the widely accepted form in modern English and is used in most contexts. It follows the standard rule of adding -es to nouns ending in -s for easier pronunciation.
While “busses” exists as a word, it is an outdated plural form of “bus” and is rarely used today. Instead, “busses” is now primarily used to mean kisses or affectionate gestures in informal contexts.
To avoid confusion, it’s best to stick with “buses” when referring to multiple vehicles, as it is the preferred and more common form.
Key Differences Between American and British English
American and British English both share a common root but have evolved into distinct varieties over time. One of the most noticeable differences is spelling, such as -or vs. -our (color vs. colour) and -ize vs. -ise (realize vs. realise). These variations stem from historical influences on each dialect.
Another difference lies in vocabulary. In American English, people say “apartment” and “truck,” while in British English, the terms are “flat” and “lorry.” These differences reflect cultural and practical distinctions between the two regions.
Pronunciation also varies, with certain words stressed differently or pronounced differently altogether. For example, “tomato” is pronounced “tuh-MAY-toh” in America and “tuh-MAH-toh” in Britain.
Spelling Variations
One of the most noticeable differences is spelling. Words in British English often retain their historical spellings influenced by French and Latin, while American English simplifies them. For example:
One of the most noticeable differences between British and American English is spelling. British English often retains historical spellings influenced by French and Latin, while American English simplifies these forms. For example, in British English, you’ll see “colour”, “honour”, and “theatre”, while in American English, these words are spelled as “color”, “honor”, and “theater”.
Another example is the use of -re and -er. In British English, words like “centre” and “metre” are used, while American English prefers “center” and “meter”. These differences in spelling reflect the distinct historical influences on both dialects.
Lastly, -ise vs. -ize is a common distinction. British English typically uses -ise (realise, organise), while American English prefers -ize (realize, organize). Despite this, both forms are often understood, though -ize is more widely accepted in modern English.
Vocabulary Differences
Many words differ entirely between the two versions of English. Some examples include:
Many words differ entirely between British and American English. These vocabulary differences often reflect cultural preferences and historical development. For example, in American English, “truck” is used, while in British English, the word “lorry” is more common. Similarly, “subway” in the US refers to an underground train system, while in the UK, it is often called the “underground” or “tube”.
Another difference can be seen in terms related to housing. Americans use “apartment” for a place to live, while in the UK, it’s more commonly referred to as a “flat”. In addition, everyday items can have different names, such as “elevator” in the US versus “lift” in the UK.
These vocabulary disparities can sometimes cause confusion, but they highlight the unique characteristics of each version of English.
Grammar and Usage
Grammar rules and usage can also differ. For instance, Americans tend to use the past simple tense more frequently than Brits, who often prefer the present perfect.
Grammar rules and usage can vary between American and British English. For example, Americans often use the past simple tense more frequently, while British English speakers tend to favor the present perfect tense in similar contexts.
In American English, you might hear: “I already finished my homework.” In British English, the same idea would typically be expressed as: “I’ve already finished my homework.” This difference highlights a subtle distinction in how past actions are linked to the present.
Understanding these variations can help improve communication and ensure that your language use aligns with the intended audience.
Pronunciation and Stress
The pronunciation of certain words varies, with differences in vowel sounds and syllable stress. For example:
Pronunciation and stress patterns can vary significantly between American and British English. For instance, in American English, the word “advertisement” is typically stressed on the second syllable (ad-VER-tise-ment), while in British English, the stress often falls on the third syllable (ad-ver-TISE-ment).
Another example is the word “herb”; in American English, the “h” is pronounced (h-urb), but in British English, it is silent (urb). These differences in stress and pronunciation contribute to the distinct sound of each version of English.
While these variations might be subtle, they are important for understanding the accent and style of speech in different regions.
Collective Nouns
In British English, collective nouns can be treated as singular or plural depending on context: “The team are playing well” (plural) or “The team is playing well” (singular). In American English, collective nouns are generally treated as singular. For example, “The team is playing well.”
Etymology of “Buses or Busses”
The etymology of the words “buses” and “busses” relates to the evolution of the word “bus” itself.
Bus comes from the Latin word “omnibus,” meaning “for all,” which referred to a type of public carriage in the 19th century in France. The term was shortened to “bus” in everyday use.
The plural form “buses” follows the standard English rule of adding -es to words ending in -s, -x, or -z sounds, making it the most widely accepted plural form.
Busses is a less common alternative, historically used as a variant of buses. This form was more common in the 19th century, but over time, buses became the standardized plural form in both British and American English.
Development of the Plural Forms
The development of the plural forms of “bus” as “buses” and “busses” traces its evolution through linguistic changes:
Early Usage: In the 19th century, when the term “bus” was adopted from the Latin “omnibus,” the plural form “busses” was initially used. This was consistent with other English words ending in -s where the plural form added -es (like “kiss” becoming “kisses”).
Standardization: Over time, “buses” emerged as the more commonly accepted plural form, following the typical English rule of adding -es to words ending in -s (e.g., “class” to “classes”). The simplicity and consistency of this form led to its widespread adoption in both British and American English.
Decline of “Busses”: While “busses” still appears in historical texts and some regional uses, the plural “buses” eventually became the dominant and standardized form. This reflects the general trend in English to favor simplicity and regularization in word forms.
Influence of Historical Spelling Practices
The influence of historical spelling practices played a significant role in shaping the plural forms of words like “bus”. Here’s how:
Latin and French Influence: English, influenced by Latin and French, often adopted complex spelling conventions. The word “bus” itself comes from the Latin “omnibus,” which was pluralized in English as “omnibuses”. Early pluralization of “bus” followed this tradition, sometimes using “busses” as a reflection of those historical linguistic influences.
Simplification over Time: As English evolved, there was a gradual simplification of spelling, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries. This was part of a broader trend to regularize English spelling, making it more intuitive and easier to follow. The shift from “busses” to “buses” reflected this movement towards simplicity, especially as English speakers and writers aimed for consistency.
Shift in Standardization: As dictionaries and grammar books became more influential in the 19th and 20th centuries, certain forms were standardized. In the case of “bus”, “buses” became the accepted plural form, reflecting the standardization of English spelling that sought to align with rules like adding -es to words ending in -s, like “glass” to “glasses”.
Beyond Transportation
The plural forms “buses” and “busses” aren’t just confined to the context of transportation. These variations also appear in different contexts:
Metaphorical Use: The term “bus” can be used metaphorically to describe a variety of collective or group activities, such as “buses” in the context of moving large groups of people, or even in phrases like “the bus to success” or “she missed the bus” (meaning missed an opportunity). In these cases, both “buses” and “busses” could be used depending on regional preferences.
Slang and Cultural References: In some colloquial or slang expressions, “busses” could appear when referring to actions such as giving “busses” (kisses), often used in informal speech or affectionate terms. The use of “busses” here is an intentional departure from the transportation meaning and reflects a different form of pluralization.
Technology and Metaphors: The word “bus” is also used in technology, referring to a communication system in computing (like a data bus). In these contexts, “buses” is the common plural form, although “busses” may still appear in older texts, showing how language adapts across different fields.
Usage in Different Contexts
Transportation: In reference to vehicles, “buses” is the standard plural form, such as “The city operates many buses.”
Affectionate Use: “Busses” can sometimes refer to kisses or affectionate gestures, as in “She gave him a few busses.”
Technical Terminology: In computing and electronics, “buses” is used to refer to data transfer systems, like “The system uses several buses for communication.”
Historical Usage: In older texts, “busses” was used more frequently, reflecting the influence of traditional spelling.
Regional Preferences: Some regions may prefer one form over the other based on local language rules, though “buses” is more common today in both British and American English.
Synonyms and Related Words
Coaches: Larger vehicles typically used for long-distance or group travel.
Example: The coaches were lined up at the station to take passengers to different cities.
Shuttles: Vehicles that transport people back and forth between two destinations.
Example: The airport shuttle took us from the terminal to the parking lot.
Vans: Smaller vehicles used for transporting a group of people or goods.
Example: The van was packed with tourists heading to the museum.
Trams: Rail vehicles, usually operating on tracks, for public transport within cities.
Example: We hopped on the tram to take a scenic ride through the city center.
Trolleys: Small, wheeled vehicles used for transporting goods or passengers, especially in tourist areas.
Example: The trolley took us around the historic district for a guided tour.
Minivans: Compact vans designed for family or small group transportation.
Example: We rented a minivan to drive through the countryside with our friends.
Limos: Luxury vehicles designed for transporting small groups in comfort.
Example: The bride arrived at the wedding in a sleek limousine.
Kisses: Used metaphorically for affectionate gestures (related to “busses” as in giving kisses).
Example: She showered him with kisses as he left for work.
Fleets: A group of vehicles, typically owned or operated by a single organization.
Example: The company’s fleet of buses travels across the country every day.
Conveyances: Vehicles used for transportation in general.
Example: The city offers various conveyances, including buses, trams, and ferries.
Synonyms for “Busses” (when referring to “kisses”)
Kisses: A direct synonym, referring to the act of pressing lips against someone or something as a gesture of affection.
Example: She blew him kisses from across the room.
Smooches: Informal term for kisses, often with a playful or affectionate connotation.
Example: He gave her a quick smooch on the cheek before leaving.
Pecks: Light, quick kisses, often on the cheek or lips.
Example: She gave him a peck on the cheek as a goodbye gesture.
Osculations: A more formal, scientific term for kissing.
Example: Their osculations were an expression of deep affection.
Snuggles: While more commonly referring to cuddling, it can also imply affectionate kisses, especially in intimate contexts.
Example: They exchanged a few snuggles before heading to bed.
Lip-locks: A term for when two people kiss passionately and their lips are firmly pressed together.
Example: They shared a long, lingering lip-lock under the moonlight.
Mwahs: An onomatopoeic term for the sound of a kiss, often used in informal contexts.
Example: She sent him a virtual “mwah” through the phone.
Pecks on the lips: A variation of “pecks,” specifically referring to quick kisses on the lips.
Example: He gave her several pecks on the lips before she left for work.
Blown kisses: Kisses sent through the air, often as a sign of affection or farewell.
Example: She blew him kisses as his train pulled away.
Affectionate kisses: A general term for kisses given out of love or affection.
Example: He showered her with affectionate kisses when they reunited.
Related Terms
Affection: A feeling of fondness or tenderness toward someone.
Example: She expressed her affection through soft kisses on his forehead.
Intimacy: A close, personal relationship often involving physical closeness, like kissing.
Example: Their kisses reflected the deep intimacy they shared.
Romance: The expression of love, often through gestures like kissing.
Example: The candlelit dinner set the mood for romance and tender kisses.
Endearment: A term or gesture used to show love or fondness, like a kiss.
Example: He whispered words of endearment and kissed her gently.
Cuddling: A form of physical affection that often involves kissing and holding someone close.
Example: They spent the evening cuddling and exchanging sweet kisses.
ASK ALSO:Pick-Up, Pick Up or Pickup: What’s the Correct Usage?
Common Mistakes
Using “Busses” Instead of “Buses”:
Mistake: People may mistakenly use “busses” as the plural of “bus” based on the idea that adding “-es” is the default plural form for words ending in “s.”
Correction: The correct plural form of “bus” is “buses” in both American and British English.
Confusing “Busses” with “Kisses”:
Mistake: The word “busses” can be confused with “kisses” due to their similar spelling and pronunciation.
Correction: When referring to “kisses”, use “busses” as a verb (e.g., “He busses her cheek”), but the plural of “bus” is “buses.”
Using “Busses” in Formal Writing:
Mistake: Some may use “busses” in formal writing, believing it to be the proper plural form of “bus.”
Correction: Stick to “buses” for formal and academic contexts, as “busses” is considered an incorrect form for the plural.
Overusing “Busses” in Informal Contexts:
Mistake: In informal language, people may use “busses” for both the plural of “bus” and the verb form (e.g., “She busses her friend”).
Correction: Be mindful to distinguish “busses” as a verb (e.g., “He busses her on the cheek”) and “buses” as the plural of “bus.”
Pluralizing Non English Words:
Mistake: Using “busses” for non English translations or assuming it applies to similar sounding words in other languages.
Correction: Only use “busses” for the verb form related to “bus” and the correct plural “buses” for the vehicle in English.
Conjugate with Related verbs
To Bus (transport by bus or informally, to kiss):
Base form: bus
Past tense: bussed
Present participle/gerund: bussing
Third-person singular: busses
Examples:
Base form: “I will bus to the station.”
Past tense: “She bussed to the museum yesterday.”
Present participle: “He is busing the children to school.”
Third-person singular: “He busses her on the cheek every morning.”
To Kiss (related to one of the meanings of “buss”):
Base form: kiss
Past tense: kissed
Present participle/gerund: kissing
Third-person singular: kisses
Examples:
Base form: “They will kiss under the mistletoe.”
Past tense: “She kissed him gently on the cheek.”
Present participle: “He is kissing his partner goodbye.”
Third-person singular: “She kisses him before leaving.”
To Transport (general verb related to “bus”):
Base form: transport
Past tense: transported
Present participle/gerund: transporting
Third-person singular: transports
Examples:
Base form: “They will transport the goods tomorrow.”
Past tense: “The company transported the goods last night.”
Present participle: “He is transporting supplies to the remote village.”
Third-person singular: “The service transports passengers to the airport.”
Final Words
The plural form of “bus” is most commonly “buses”, though both “buses” and “busses” have been used historically. Modern English tends to favor “buses”, and this form is recognized by most dictionaries and style guides. The alternative “busses” is considered less standard but can still be seen in older texts or specific contexts.
Understanding the evolution of these forms, including influences from historical spelling practices and linguistic changes, helps us appreciate how language adapts over time. Whether you use “buses” or “busses”, what’s important is maintaining consistency and clarity in writing and speaking.
FAQ’S
What is the correct plural form of “bus”?
The correct plural form of “bus” is “buses.” This is the most widely accepted and standard form used in modern English. It is recognized by major dictionaries and grammar guides.
Is it ever acceptable to use “busses” as the plural of “bus”?
While “busses” was historically used, it is now considered non standard. The plural “buses” is preferred and more commonly used today in both American and British English.
Why do some people use “busses” instead of “buses”?
The use of “busses” can be traced back to older spelling conventions. It stems from a time when the plural of words ending in -s was sometimes formed by doubling the consonant, but this form has fallen out of favor.Are there any exceptions for using “busses”?
In most cases, “buses” is the preferred plural form. However, “busses” can still appear in poetic or historical contexts, or when referring to “kisses” in informal speech.
