Buses or Busses: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: Both buses and busses are accepted plurals of the word bus, but buses is the standard and far more common form you should use. The spelling busses is a rare variant often found in older texts or specific regional dialects. Furthermore, busses is also the correct verb form when referring to the act of kissing someone on the mouth, known as bussing. Understanding the context of your sentence will help you choose the right spelling instantly without needing to look up a dictionary every time.
The Short Answer
Both are accepted plurals of bus, but buses is the standard and far more common form while busses is a rare variant.
People often confuse these spellings because the extra s in busses mimics other plural nouns ending in s, yet it changes meaning when used as a verb for kissing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| buses | Standard | Most common plural for the vehicle |
| busses | Rare variant | Old-fashioned vehicle plural or specific regions |
| busses | Verb | When describing the action of kissing |
| bus | Noun | Singular form for the vehicle |
Correct Example Sentences
- The city schedules buses to run on a twenty-minute interval.
- She caught the morning buses to get to work on time.
- The construction crew used busses to move heavy materials around the site.
- He bussed his wife before she left for her long trip.
- They bussed the children home after the school closed early.
- Please check the schedule for all the buses leaving the terminal.
- I saw a group of buses waiting at the bus stop.
- They decided to buss the kids to the game this weekend.
- Regular buses provide reliable transport for commuters in the city.
- Her parents bussed her to soccer practice every Tuesday.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- The driver drove the busses down the highway.
- The driver drove the buses down the highway.
- We need to book tickets for busses.
- We need to book tickets for buses.
- He loves busses and riding them.
- He loves buses and riding them.
- Did you see the busses parked outside?
- Did you see the buses parked outside?
- They bussed the baby to the other room.
- They bussed the baby to the other room.
- Please stop using busses for the vehicle.
- Please stop using buses for the vehicle.
A Quick Test You Can Use
Ask yourself if the word is describing a vehicle or the action of kissing; if it is a vehicle, use buses for the standard plural form, but if the sentence describes kissing someone on the mouth, then busses is the correct spelling for the verb.
Related Word Pairs
- Borrow vs Lend
- Borrow means to take something, while lend means to give something.
- Affect vs Effect
- Affect is usually a verb, whereas effect is usually a noun.
- Compliment vs Complement
- Compliment means to praise, while complement means to complete something.
- Principal vs Principle
- Principal refers to a person or main amount, while principle refers to a rule.
- Stationary vs Stationery
- Stationary means not moving, while stationery refers to writing paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which spelling is correct for the vehicle?
The correct spelling for the vehicle is buses. This is the standard plural form used in almost all modern contexts, whereas busses is considered a rare variant or an error when referring to transportation.
When should I use busses instead of buses?
You should use busses only when the word is functioning as a verb meaning to kiss someone on the mouth, such as saying he bussed his daughter. It is also rarely used as a plural for vehicles in older texts.
Are there any regions where busses is preferred?
Some older dictionaries or specific regional dialects might still list busses as a valid plural for the vehicle, but modern usage strongly favors buses. It is safest to always use buses for vehicles to avoid confusion.
Can busses ever be used for the vehicle in casual conversation?
While some people might say busses in casual speech, it is generally considered incorrect. Stick with buses for the vehicle to ensure your writing is clear and follows standard English grammar rules.
