What is bus? Pronunciation and usage in English

bus means . Learn how to pronounce and use bus through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of bus

busnoun

/bʌs/
Definition & pronunciation of bus

The word "bus" is pronounced bus (pronounced like the letter "bus").

It's a very simple, short sound: /bʌs/.

Here's a breakdown:

  • "b" - as in "ball"
  • "u" - as in "but"
  • "s" - as in "sun"

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Usage and examples with the word bus in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bus" in English. It has a few different meanings and uses!

1. The Vehicle (Most Common)

  • Definition: A large vehicle that carries many people along a fixed route.
  • Examples:
    • "I take the bus to school every day."
    • "The bus stop is just around the corner."
    • "We waited for the bus for almost an hour."
    • “The city has a really efficient bus system.”
  • Grammar: It's usually a singular noun.
    • "I need a ticket for the bus."

2. "Bus" as a Verb (Less Common, but Important)

  • Definition: To ride a bus; to travel by bus.
  • Examples:
    • "I bussed home last night." (meaning: I took the bus home)
    • "They bussed all the passengers off the tour bus."
    • "She buses to work."

3. "Bus" as a Slang (Informal)

  • Definition: (Very informal) A large group of people, especially at a social event or party. It implies a noisy, crowded, and often slightly chaotic group.
  • Examples:
    • "That party was a huge bus!" (Meaning: It was packed with people.)
    • “There was a real bus at the concert.” (Meaning: There was a huge crowd.)
  • Caution: This usage is quite informal and might not be suitable for formal writing or serious conversations.

4. "Bus" in Phrases:

  • Bus route: The specific path a bus travels. “The number 22 bus route goes downtown.”
  • Bus driver: The person who drives the bus. “The bus driver was very friendly.”
  • Bus station: A place where buses arrive and depart. “We went to the bus station to catch our ride.”
  • Bus pass/ticket: An official document allowing free or discounted travel on buses.

Here’s a table to summarize:

Usage Definition Example
Vehicle A transportation vehicle “I rode the bus to work.”
Verb To travel by bus “I bussed home.”
Slang A large group of people “That party was a huge bus!”
Phrases Various related terms Bus route, bus driver, etc.

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Synonyms for the word bus

Idioms of the word bus

throw somebody under the bus
to make somebody else suffer in order to save yourself or gain an advantage for yourself
  • Plenty of my co-workers are satisfied to throw everyone else under the bus as long as they keep their wages.

Practice with vocabulary bus

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She decided to take the ______ to work to avoid traffic.
  2. The children waited at the ______ stop for their ride to school.
  3. I prefer traveling by train because it’s faster than a ______.
  4. He missed his flight but managed to catch a ______ to the next city.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What is a common mode of public transportation in cities?
    a) Car
    b) Bus
    c) Bicycle
    d) Skateboard

  2. Which of the following is NOT a type of vehicle?
    a) Bus
    b) Truck
    c) Schedule
    d) Van

  3. If you don’t have a car, what might you use to get to school?
    a) Bus
    b) Train
    c) Taxi
    d) All of the above

  4. Which word refers to a large vehicle used for long-distance travel?
    a) Bus
    b) Tram
    c) Coach
    d) Subway

  5. What do you call a place where public transportation stops to pick up passengers?
    a) Terminal
    b) Station
    c) Hub
    d) All of the above

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She traveled to the city using public transportation.
    Rewrite: She took the bus to the city.

  2. Original: The vehicle arrived late, causing a delay.
    Rewrite: The bus arrived late, causing a delay.

  3. Original: He missed his ride and had to walk home.
    Rewrite: He missed his train and had to walk home.

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. bus
  2. bus
  3. train
  4. bus

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Bus
  2. c) Schedule
  3. d) All of the above
  4. c) Coach
  5. d) All of the above

Exercise 3:

  1. She took the bus to the city.
  2. The bus arrived late, causing a delay.
  3. He missed his train and had to walk home.

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