When it comes to English plurals, few words cause as much confusion as buses or busses. If you’ve ever paused while writing and wondered, “What’s the correct plural of bus?”, you’re not alone. English spelling rules can feel inconsistent, especially when a word ends in -s and seems to invite multiple plural forms. This uncertainty often leads writers, students, and even professionals to question which option is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing.
The word bus refers to a common mode of transportation, used daily in public transit systems around the world. Naturally, when discussing more than one, choosing the correct plural form of bus becomes important for clarity and accuracy. While both buses and busses appear in dictionaries, they are not always interchangeable. Understanding the difference between standard pluralization rules, American English usage, and British English preferences can help you make the right choice every time.
Understanding the Word “Bus”
Before diving into plurals, it helps to understand the origin and evolution of the word. “Bus” is a shortened form of “omnibus”, which comes from Latin, meaning “for all.” The term “omnibus” was originally used in the early 19th century to describe public transport vehicles designed to carry multiple passengers. Over time, it shortened to “bus”, and today it’s universally recognized as a vehicle that transports groups of people.
Buses come in many forms:
- City buses: Used in urban areas for public transport.
- School buses: Specifically designed to carry students safely.
- Tour buses and coaches: Designed for longer journeys, often with added comfort.
Knowing the types of buses helps contextualize the plural, especially in professional writing, travel guides, and transportation content.
Standard English Plural of “Bus”
In standard English, the correct plural of “bus” is “buses.” This follows general English grammar rules: when a word ends in -s, -x, -z, -sh, or -ch, you typically add -es to form the plural.
Dictionary References
- Merriam-Webster: Lists “buses” as the preferred plural.
- Oxford English Dictionary: Confirms “buses” is correct in modern usage.
Examples of Correct Usage
- The city runs several buses along the main route.
- Buses often arrive late during rush hour.
- She counted all the buses parked at the depot.
Notice how straightforward this rule is. When referring to vehicles, “buses” is universally accepted in English writing.
The Alternative “Busses”
Occasionally, you’ll encounter “busses” as a plural form. Historically, some writers used “busses” for vehicles, but this usage has mostly fallen out of favor in modern English. Today, it is considered archaic or regional, appearing in older texts or certain style guides from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Common Confusion with “Busses” Meaning Kisses
The word “busses” can also mean kisses, pronounced the same but spelled differently in some historical documents. For example:
- “She gave him several busses on the cheek.”
This double meaning is why writers should be cautious. In almost all modern contexts involving transportation, “buses” is correct, while “busses” usually refers to kisses.
Grammar Rules for Pluralizing Words Ending in “-s”
To nderstand why “buses” is correct, let’s look at English pluralization rules:
- For most nouns, you simply add -s: dog → dogs, car → cars.
- For words ending in -s, -x, -z, -sh, -ch, you add -es:
- bus → buses
- box → boxes
- church → churches
Some exceptions exist due to historical usage, but “buses” aligns perfectly with current English conventions. Comparing it to other nouns:
- fox → foxes
- wish → wishes
- buzz → buzzes
These rules make “buses” a natural, consistent plural, whereas “busses” breaks from standard grammatical patterns for vehicles.
Regional Variations in Usage
English isn’t the same everywhere. Regional differences can influence which plural you encounter.
US English
In American English, “buses” is overwhelmingly the standard, supported by dictionaries, style guides, and contemporary writing.
UK English
British English also prefers “buses”, but “busses” occasionally pops up in older texts or informal writing. Modern UK publications, like the BBC, recommend “buses.”
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Other English-speaking countries
- Australia and Canada: Follow the same pattern—buses is standard.
- International style guides: Most professional English usage guides default to “buses.”
Using “buses” ensures consistency and avoids confusion in formal and academic writing worldwide.
Style Guides and Official Recommendations
AP Stylebook
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is widely used in journalism. It confirms:
- Buses is the plural of bus.
- Use busses only when meaning kisses.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
- CMOS prefers buses in modern writing.
- Emphasizes consistency: always use buses for vehicles to maintain clarity.
Oxford English Dictionary
- Lists buses as the standard plural.
- Notes busses as a secondary, rarely used form.
Following these style guides guarantees your writing appears professional, accurate, and authoritative.
Tips to Avoid Confusion
Context-based approach
The meaning of your sentence usually determines which form to use:
- Talking about vehicles? Always use buses.
- Talking about kisses or poetic expressions? Busses may be correct.
Quick memory hacks
- “Buses take people; busses give kisses.”
- Visualize a city street filled with buses, not busses.
Practical writing advice
- Double-check your sentence context.
- When in doubt, default to buses for clarity.
- Avoid using “busses” for vehicles unless you’re deliberately citing historical or archaic text.
Common Mistakes to Watch Out For
Even experienced writers slip up. Here are common errors and how to fix them:
| Mistake | Correction | Notes |
| I saw many busses outside the station. | I saw many buses outside the station. | “Busses” incorrectly used for vehicles. |
| The poet described lovers exchanging buses. | The poet described lovers exchanging busses. | Confuses the plural for kisses. |
| The school runs multiple busses every morning. | The school runs multiple buses every morning. | Modern usage requires “buses.” |
These examples highlight how context and proper grammar guide your word choice.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Omnibus origins: The Latin word “omnibus” literally means for all, highlighting the vehicle’s public purpose.
- Pop culture references: In early 20th-century novels, you’ll sometimes see “busses” used for vehicles. Modern readers often find this confusing.
- Homonyms: “Busses” as kisses appears in Shakespearean and Victorian literature, demonstrating English’s quirky evolution.
These tidbits make grammar rules more memorable and help you see language as dynamic, not rigid
Comparison Table: Buses vs. Busses
Here’s a handy reference you can use when writing:
| Form | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Buses | Transport vehicles | The city operates over 200 buses daily. |
| Busses | Kisses | The mother gave her child several busses before school. |
Keep this table nearby if you write professionally, teach English, or edit content. It prevents embarrassing mistakes.
Conclusion
Choosing between buses and busses becomes simple once you understand standard English pluralization rules. The most widely accepted and commonly used plural of bus is buses, especially in modern American English and formal writing. It follows the regular pattern of adding -es to nouns that end in -s, ensuring clarity and consistency in grammar. While busses is not entirely incorrect, it is far less common and often associated with the verb “to buss,” meaning to kiss or to clear tables. For professional, academic, and everyday use, buses remains the safest and most correct choice. Using the standard form improves readability, supports grammatical accuracy, and helps your writing appear polished and trustworthy.
FAQs
What is the correct plural of bus?
The correct and most commonly accepted plural of bus is buses.
Is “busses” grammatically wrong?
No, busses is grammatically valid, but it is rarely used and can cause confusion because it is also linked to the verb buss.
Which plural is preferred in American English?
In American English, buses is strongly preferred in both formal and informal writing.
Do British and American English differ on this?
Both British English and American English generally favor buses, making it the universal choice.
