English is a language that thrives on exceptions. It’s full of quirks that can leave even native speakers scratching their heads at times. One such puzzling case is the plural form of the word “bus.” Should we say “buses” or “busses”? It seems like a small issue, but using the wrong form can cause confusion, especially when it comes to professional or academic writing.
This article will clear up any uncertainty you might have and explain why “buses” is the preferred plural form of “bus.”
We’ll take a deep dive into the rules of pluralization in English, why “buses” is more commonly used, and when “busses” might still pop up in your reading.
Understanding these subtle details in grammar can help you sound more authoritative and trustworthy in your writing, especially in contexts where clarity is essential. Whether you’re writing a formal essay, composing an email, or simply trying to improve your grammar, this article has you covered. So, let’s clear up this issue once and for all, so you can confidently use the correct plural form of “bus.”
The Plural Form in English: A Brief Overview
How Plurals Are Generally Formed in English
In English, most nouns form their plural by adding an “s” at the end of the word. For example, a “book” becomes “books”, and a “cat” becomes “cats.” However, when it comes to words ending in “s,” “x,” “z,” “sh,” or “ch,” the general rule is to add “es” to make them plural. This rule is followed by most words ending with an “s” sound, like “kiss” (which becomes “kisses”) or “box” (which becomes “boxes”).
For the word “bus,” this same rule applies. You don’t simply add “s” to form the plural. Instead, you add “es” to make it “buses.” It’s a pattern that helps maintain the pronunciation of the word, ensuring that it’s easier to say in its plural form. This is one of the core grammatical rules that governs the English language.
Why Are There So Many Exceptions in English?
English is full of irregularities, and the formation of plurals is one of the areas where exceptions seem to pop up more than anywhere else. The reason for these exceptions lies in language evolution and the influence of languages like Latin, French, and Old English. As English absorbed words from other languages, it also took on their pluralization patterns, which often don’t align with the standard “add an s or es” rule.
This historical mishmash of language influences is why we have words like “children” instead of “childs” and “mice” instead of “mouses.” It’s also why some plurals, like “buses,” follow the regular pattern, while others, like “geese” and “men,” don’t.
Exploring the Plural of “Bus”: Buses vs. Busses
The Standard Plural Form: Buses
The form “buses” is widely recognized as the correct plural of “bus” in modern English. According to well-respected sources like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster, “buses” is the preferred plural form.
So, why has “buses” become the standard? It follows the common pattern of English words ending in “s” or “sh,” where we add “es” to form the plural. “Buses” is easier to pronounce and follows a consistent pattern, which is why it is more commonly used in both spoken and written forms today.
Examples of “Buses” in Context:
- “The buses arrived late due to traffic.”
- “We waited at the station until the buses came.”
These examples show how “buses” is used naturally in both everyday speech and formal contexts. It’s the correct plural, used almost universally in all English-speaking regions.
Busses: An Alternative Form or a Mistake?
You may have come across the form “busses” and wondered whether it’s an acceptable plural for “bus.” Historically, “busses” was used more frequently, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact, you’ll still see it occasionally in older literature or British English, although it’s considered outdated today.
While “busses” was once an acceptable plural form, it has largely fallen out of favor. Today, the plural form “buses” is widely accepted as the correct form in both British and American English.
When Might “Busses” Appear?
- In certain regional dialects, you might still hear “busses” used colloquially.
- Some older texts or archaic writing may feature “busses” as the plural of “bus.”
- In specific contexts, like when referring to someone “bussing” something, the double “s” ending might appear, but it’s a different usage altogether (e.g., “busser” referring to a person who works in a restaurant).
While “busses” might still appear in niche contexts, it’s important to note that “buses” is overwhelmingly the preferred form.
Grammatical Insights: “Bus” and Other Words Ending in “S”
The Rule for Words Ending in “S”
The rule for pluralizing words that end in “s” is straightforward: if the word ends in “s,” “x,” “z,” “sh,” or “ch,” you add “es” to form the plural. This rule ensures that the word is easier to pronounce in its plural form.
This is exactly why “bus” becomes “buses.” It follows the same pluralization rule applied to other words like “class” (which becomes “classes”) and “dress” (which becomes “dresses”).
The key takeaway here is that “buses” is formed exactly the way you would expect, following the consistent rules of English grammar for nouns ending in “s.”
Why “Busses” Isn’t a Common Form Today
So, if “busses” was once in use, why has it mostly disappeared? As language has evolved, “buses” has become the more natural choice for both pronunciation and spelling. The “es” ending helps avoid a clunky, awkward-sounding word and maintains consistency with other plural forms like “kisses” and “wishes.”
Though “busses” is still technically correct, “buses” is far more common in everyday language and writing. As language usage changes over time, some forms naturally fall out of favor. “Busses” is one of those forms, while “buses” has become the accepted standard.
The Common Confusion: Why People Mix Up “Buses” and “Busses”
The Influence of Other Plural Forms
One reason why people mix up “buses” and “busses” is because they often look at other similar words like “kiss” and “miss,” both of which add “es” to form their plurals. This can lead to the mistaken assumption that “busses” is the correct plural form.
Another factor is that the pronunciation of both “buses” and “busses” is nearly identical. English speakers might think that the double “s” at the end of “busses” is simply an alternate way to pluralize a word ending in “s.”
Busses vs. Buses: Is One More “Correct” Than the Other?
“Buses” is the standard and preferred plural form, so it’s always better to use it when writing or speaking formally. “Busses” might still be seen in some older texts or regional dialects, but using it in modern English, especially in academic writing, might be viewed as a mistake.
Correcting Common Mistakes
How to Avoid Using “Busses” by Mistake
To avoid using the wrong plural form, remember that “buses” is the grammatically correct option. Here’s a quick tip: if the word ends with “s” (like “bus”), simply add “es” to make the plural. This will always apply to words like “kiss,” “dress,” and “class” as well.
How to Make Sure Your Writing Stays Clear and Accurate
If you’re ever unsure about the correct plural form, proofreading is key. You can also use grammar-checking tools like Grammarly to make sure your writing adheres to proper grammar rules.
For a quick check:
- Look up the word in trusted dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or the Oxford English Dictionary.
- Confirm that “buses” is listed as the correct plural.
The Evolution of English Plurals: A Look at the Future
Language Change and Pluralization Trends
English is constantly evolving, and so are its rules for pluralization. However, given the widespread use of “buses” in both spoken and written forms, it
’s unlikely that the plural form will change anytime soon.
In fact, with the influence of digital writing and the prominence of social media, the simplification of grammar rules may continue, making “buses” even more universal.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
When it comes to the plural of “bus,” the answer is clear: “buses” is the correct form. Though “busses” might appear occasionally in older texts or niche contexts, it’s best to stick with the standard plural form to ensure your writing remains polished and professional.
By following grammatical rules like this, you can be confident in your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, whether you’re writing a business report or simply having a casual conversation. So, the next time you refer to more than one “bus,” remember that “buses” is always the correct choice!
FAQs: Buses or Busses – What’s the Correct Plural of Bus?
1. Why is “buses” the correct plural of “bus”?
The plural of “bus” is “buses” because of the general English rule for nouns ending in “s.” When a word ends in “s,” we add “es” to form the plural, making it easier to pronounce and consistent with other words like “boxes” and “dresses.” “Buses” follows this standard rule.
2. Can I use “busses” as the plural of “bus”?
While “busses” was historically used as the plural form of “bus,” it is now considered outdated and rarely used in modern English. “Buses” is the preferred plural form today in both British and American English.
3. Why does English have so many exceptions to plural rules?
English has many exceptions because it has absorbed words from several languages, such as Latin, French, and Old English. These languages have different pluralization patterns, and over time, English has adopted some of those forms. That’s why we see words like “mice” and “geese” instead of “mouses” and “gooses.”
4. What’s the rule for pluralizing words that end in “s”?
The rule for pluralizing words ending in “s” is to add “es.” For example, “bus” becomes “buses,” and “class” becomes “classes.” This rule helps preserve the pronunciation of the word in its plural form.
5. Is “busses” ever acceptable in writing?
In modern English, “buses” is almost always the correct choice. However, you may still encounter “busses” in older texts or as part of certain regional dialects. If you’re writing for a formal or professional context, stick to “buses.”
As the visionary founder and CEO of Globals English, Emma Brooke is dedicated to transforming the way individuals learn and master the English language.