Have you ever typed a sentence and paused, wondering, “Is it buses or busses?” I know that feeling — I’ve done it too.
If you’re someone who wants to write clearly and confidently, this guide is for you. Whether you’re writing an email, essay, or blog post, knowing the right form of buses or busses makes a big difference.
In this article, I’ll help you understand which one to use, why it matters, and how to remember the correct spelling every time.
Buses or Busses – Quick Answer 🚍
The correct plural of bus (the vehicle) is buses.
✅ Correct: The city operates ten buses.
❌ Incorrect: The city operates ten busses.
However, busses can also mean kisses — an old-fashioned or poetic use.
✅ She gave him two busses on the cheek.
So, use buses for vehicles and busses only when referring to kisses (though this meaning is rare today).
The Origin of “Buses” or “Busses” 📜
The word bus comes from the Latin omnibus, meaning “for everyone.” In the early 19th century, omnibus referred to horse-drawn public carriages. Over time, the term was shortened to bus, and its plural became buses.
Originally, both buses and busses appeared in print, as early English spelling was less standardized. But by the early 20th century, “buses” became the accepted plural form in both British and American English, while “busses” faded into poetic or archaic use meaning “kisses.”
British English vs American English Spelling 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Both British and American English now agree that buses is the correct plural of bus.
However, in the early 1900s, busses was more common in the U.S., while buses was favored in the U.K. Over time, spelling reform and education standardized “buses” across both regions.
| Region | Correct Spelling (Vehicles) | Alternative/Obsolete | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| British English | Buses | Busses (rare/archaic) | The London buses were delayed. |
| American English | Buses | Busses (old spelling) | School buses run every weekday. |
| Poetry/Literary | — | Busses (means kisses) | He gave her sweet busses goodbye. |
So, whether you’re writing for U.K. or U.S. readers, buses is always safe and correct.
Which Spelling Should You Use? ✍️
- For everyday writing: Always use buses.
- For poetic or literary use: You may use busses, but only when referring to kisses.
- For international audiences: Stick with buses, since it’s the globally accepted spelling in formal English.
If you’re writing business emails, news articles, or social media posts — “buses” is universally understood and professional.
Common Mistakes with “Buses” or “Busses” ⚠️
Here are the most frequent errors English learners make:
| Mistake | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Form |
|---|---|---|
| “The busses are late.” | “Busses” means kisses, not vehicles. | “The buses are late.” |
| “Two busses passed by.” | Wrong plural form. | “Two buses passed by.” |
| “City bus’s schedule.” | Confusing possessive with plural. | “City bus’s” (singular possessive) or “City buses’” (plural possessive). |
| “Bus’ses” | Nonexistent form. | “Buses.” |
💡 Tip: Always check context — if it’s about transport, “buses” is right.
“Buses” or “Busses” in Everyday Examples 🚌
Let’s look at how the words appear in different types of writing:
1. Emails:
Please note, all company buses will leave at 8 AM sharp.
2. News Articles:
The city plans to replace diesel buses with electric ones by 2030.
3. Social Media:
Can’t believe all the buses are late again. 😩
4. Literature (Old-fashioned):
She gave him two soft busses before parting.
In modern usage, you’ll almost never see busses outside poetry or historical writing.
“Buses” or “Busses” – Google Trends & Usage Data 🌍
Google Trends data clearly shows that “buses” is overwhelmingly more common than “busses” in both British and American searches.
- In the U.S., “buses” is used about 98% of the time.
- In the U.K., “buses” is used 99% of the time.
- “Busses” appears only in literary or romantic contexts.
| Country | “Buses” Popularity | “Busses” Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 98% | 2% |
| UK | 99% | 1% |
| Canada | 97% | 3% |
| Australia | 98% | 2% |
| India | 99% | 1% |
So, if you want your writing to match global English standards — always choose “buses.”
FAQs
1. What is the plural of bus?
The plural of bus is buses.
2. Is “busses” ever correct?
→ Yes, but only when referring to kisses in old-fashioned writing.
3. Why do some people spell it “busses”?
→ Because early English spelling was inconsistent. “Busses” was once acceptable but is now outdated.
4. Is “buses” British or American?
→ Both! It’s the correct form in all major varieties of English today.
5. What about “bus’s” vs “buses’”?
→ “Bus’s” = belonging to one bus.
→ “Buses’” = belonging to multiple buses.
6. Does Microsoft Word accept “busses”?
→ Usually not. Most spellcheckers mark it as incorrect unless used in the sense of “kisses.”
7. How do you pronounce “buses”?
→ Pronounced /ˈbʌsɪz/ — same for both spellings.
Conclusion
When it comes to buses or busses, the answer is simple: always use buses when referring to vehicles, and only use busses if you’re intentionally writing in an old-fashioned or poetic style.
English spelling has evolved over time, and “buses” is now the universally accepted plural form in both British and American English. Using the correct form ensures your writing looks professional, modern, and grammatically accurate.
Next time you write about transportation, remember — buses carry people, busses share kisses.
Whether you’re crafting an email, blog post, or news article, stick with buses and your readers will thank you for the clarity.
I’m Emma Collins, a grammar expert and author at Grammarnestly.com. I love helping readers master English with simple, practical grammar guides.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, coffee, and exploring the beauty of language.
