bus
A1Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts. The computing term is technical.
Definition
Meaning
A large motor vehicle designed to carry passengers by road, typically along a fixed route with scheduled stops.
In computing, a system that allows data transfer between components of a computer or between computers (e.g., USB bus). Informally, 'bus' can also refer to aircraft or spacecraft.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. In public transport contexts, often collocated with route numbers, types (double-decker, school bus), or companies. The plural form 'buses' is more common than 'busses', especially in British English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Often used in compounds like 'coach' for long-distance travel vs. 'bus' for local. Terms like 'bus lane', 'bus shelter'. US: 'Bus' is generic. Short form 'school bus' is universal, but 'trolleybus' is rare in US. The phrase 'miss the bus' is more common in UK.
Connotations
Generally neutral. In UK, can carry slight class connotations (public transport vs. private car). In US, 'school bus' is a strong cultural icon.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties. The verb usage ('to bus tables') is more common and established in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + the bus: take, catch, miss, get on, board, wait for, hail[Preposition] + bus: by bus, on the bus, off the busVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “miss the bus (miss an opportunity)”
- “throw someone under the bus (sacrifice someone for personal gain)”
- “busman's holiday (a holiday spent doing one's usual work)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We need to arrange coach transport for the conference attendees.
Academic
Urban planners are studying the impact of dedicated bus lanes on traffic flow.
Everyday
I take the number 12 bus to work every morning.
Technical
The data is transferred via the system bus to the processor.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They bussed the children to a different school due to renovations.
- The restaurant staff will bus the tables shortly.
American English
- The district buses students over 20 miles. (common)
- Can you bus these dishes to the kitchen?
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- The bus timetable has changed.
- We met at the bus station.
American English
- Check the bus schedule online.
- The bus terminal is downtown.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bus is late today.
- She goes to school by bus.
- The bus stop is near my house.
- If you miss the last bus, you'll have to take a taxi.
- How much is a bus ticket to the city centre?
- The bus was so crowded I had to stand.
- Proposed cuts to the night bus service have been met with criticism.
- He threw his colleague under the bus to save his own job.
- The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle bus to the airport.
- The new infrastructure bill includes funding for electric bus fleets across the country.
- In computer architecture, the address bus and data bus are critical for system performance.
- The scandal became a media circus, aptly described as a 'clown bus' by commentators.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BUS as a vehicle that is USed By US (B+US).
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUS IS A CONVEYOR/PIPELINE (e.g., data bus, gossip bus). A BUS IS A SYSTEM (e.g., 'part of the school bus system').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'автобус' which is always correct. Avoid using 'bus' as a short form in Russian text. The computing term 'шина' is a direct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using uncountable form: 'I go by bus' (correct), not 'I go by a bus'. Confusing 'buses' (vehicles) with 'busses' (kisses, archaic). Saying 'in the bus' instead of 'on the bus'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bus' most likely to be a verb in British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'buses' and 'busses' are accepted, but 'buses' is overwhelmingly more common, especially in British English. 'Busses' can also be the plural of 'buss' (an archaic word for a kiss).
For public transport vehicles where you stand/walk inside (bus, train, plane, ship), use 'on'. For vehicles you typically sit inside without walking (car, taxi), use 'in'. Therefore, it's 'on the bus'.
In UK English, a 'bus' typically runs within a city or town on frequent routes with multiple stops. A 'coach' is for longer-distance, scheduled journeys, often between cities, with amenities like toilets and luggage holds. In US English, 'bus' often covers both, with 'motorcoach' or 'charter bus' used for the latter.
In computing, a 'bus' is a communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer or between computers. Examples: 'USB bus', 'system bus', 'memory bus'. It acts like a digital highway for electrical signals.
Collections
Part of a collection
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