Busses vs. Buses: Tips for Correct Usage!

The Difference Between Busses and Buses

Quick Tips:

• Use “buses” when referring to multiple vehicles.
• Use “busses” when referring to the act of kissing or cleaning tables.

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Busses vs. Buses: Definition, Usage and Examples

What Does Buses Mean?

• Meaning: The plural form of “bus,” which refers to a large vehicle used for transporting people, typically along a fixed route.
• Use: Used when referring to more than one bus.
• Example: “The school district bought several new buses this year.”
• Explanation: “Buses” is the correct plural form of “bus” when talking about multiple vehicles.

What Does Busses Mean?

• Meaning: An alternative, less common spelling of “buses” in American English, but more commonly used to refer to the third-person singular present tense of the verb “to buss,” which means to kiss or, in some contexts, to clear dishes from a table (as in “bussing tables”).
• Use: Often used in the context of affectionate kissing or cleaning in restaurants.
• Example: “He busses the tables after each shift.”

Common Mistakes with “Buses” and “Busses”

Using “busses” instead of “buses” for multiple vehicles:

• Incorrect: “The city operates several busses daily.”
• Correct: “The city operates several buses daily.”
• Explanation: “Buses” is the standard plural form for the vehicle.

Using “buses” when referring to the verb “buss”:

• Incorrect: “He buses his grandmother on the cheek.”
• Correct: “He busses his grandmother on the cheek.”
• Explanation: “Busses” is used here to mean a kiss, while “buses” would be incorrect in this context.

Busses vs. Buses: Example Sentences

Here are example sentences to illustrate the correct use of “buses” and “busses.”

Buses (Plural form of “bus”):

1. “The school district added five new buses to its fleet this year.”
2. “We waited at the station for the buses to arrive.”
3. “Electric buses are becoming more common in urban areas.”
4. “The buses were delayed due to the heavy snowstorm.”

Busses (Verb form of “buss” – to kiss or clear tables):

1. “Every night, the waiter busses the tables after the restaurant closes.”
2. “She quickly busses her little brother on the cheek before heading off to school.”
3. “The server busses dishes at the café to keep the dining area clean.”
4. “He busses his daughter goodbye each morning before leaving for work.”