board a bus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "board a bus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of getting onto a bus for transportation. Example: "We need to hurry to the station so we can board the bus before it leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

They areunable to board a bus except after fearful experimentation.

The New Yorker

He told the BBC that he saw his victim board a bus and decided to follow him.

Independent

You detrain and board a bus for the transit from the old technology Folkestone  station to the new technology Channel Tunnel.

Independent

Finally you board a bus for the last stretch of the journey.

Independent

They soon board a bus, and travel to a new home where they will live together.

Wikipedia

The Taliesin tours, besides being costly (two-hour house tours are $47), require constant group adherence, beginning at an off-site visitors' center, where you board a bus.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Each school morning they would board a bus with Save the Children workers and Wilson Security guards.

The Guardian

Mr. Freeman stayed with her until Sunday, when he was ordered to board a bus.

The New York Times

Yousef was reportedly preparing to board a bus for Peshawar.

The New Yorker

A third time, he was directed to board a bus.

The New York Times

They are not yet in line to board a bus, but their summer vacation has already begun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing narratives, use "board a bus" to clearly indicate the action of getting onto a bus, especially when the context involves travel or transportation. It's a direct and easily understood phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "board a bus" when the context implies taking ownership of the bus. "Board" refers specifically to the act of getting on a vehicle for transportation, not possessing it. Using "take" is semantically ambiguous but less weird.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "board a bus" functions as a verb phrase, where "board" acts as the main verb indicating the action of entering a bus. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Examples in Ludwig illustrate how the phrase is used to describe the act of getting on a bus for travel.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "board a bus" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of getting onto a bus. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in wiki content. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of contexts. While alternatives like "get on a bus" or "hop on a bus" exist, "board a bus" remains a straightforward and easily understood way to convey the action of entering a bus for transportation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get on a bus

Uses a more common and general verb ("get") to describe entering a bus.

enter a bus

Employs a more formal verb ("enter") to denote going into a bus.

step onto a bus

Highlights the physical action of stepping onto the vehicle.

hop on a bus

Suggests a quick and casual act of boarding.

go aboard a bus

Expresses the action of going onto the bus, similar to boarding but more descriptive.

mount a bus

Uses a slightly more archaic or formal verb ("mount") for boarding.

catch a bus

Implies actively seeking out and boarding the bus.

embark on a bus

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey on the bus using a formal verb.

take a bus

Focuses on the action of using the bus as transportation.

ascend a bus

Implies a literal upward movement when getting onto the bus, slightly more dramatic.

FAQs

What does "board a bus" mean?

"Board a bus" means to get on a bus, typically for the purpose of travel or transportation. It's a common phrase used to describe the action of entering a bus.

Is there a more informal way to say "board a bus"?

Yes, you could say "get on a bus" or "hop on a bus", depending on the context. These alternatives are more casual and frequently used in everyday conversation.

Can "board" be used for other types of vehicles?

Yes, "board" can be used for various vehicles like planes, trains, and ships. For example, you can "board a plane" or "board a train".

What's the difference between "board a bus" and "take a bus"?

"Board a bus" refers specifically to the action of getting on the bus. "Take a bus" refers to using the bus as a means of transportation; it encompasses the entire journey, not just the act of entering the vehicle.