bus took off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bus took off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a bus departing or leaving a location, often in a more informal context. Example: "Just as I arrived at the station, the bus took off without me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The bus took off at getaway speed, and without turning on its headlights careered north on a two-lane highway.

The New York Times

Banks owned the properties, she emphasized as the bus took off, "so you're not kicking anyone out of their home".

The New York Times

And then the bus took off, making a slow circuit around this crowded ski town, home to the Sundance Film Festival, now at the midpoint in its 10-day run.

The New York Times

The bus took off just after midnight on the 16th of May in downtown Oslo.

Vice

As the bus took off from near Columbus Circle in downtown Manhattan, the tour guide played us a clip on the LCD screens that hung from the ceiling.

Vice

The bus took off into the night and I thought to myself, "where are we going?" We rode the bus for a while and Olivera insisted that she knew what she was doing, where we were going, and that she would recognize her stop.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

To the Editor: Regarding "The Humble Bus Takes Off" (July 25), I'm a longtime BoltBus veteran, having taken it once a month between Boston and New York for years.

The New York Times

On peak days, Yahoo's bus also took off.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

The bus then took off – leaving us who knows where, and in the hands of Chinese soldiers.

TechCrunch

Little Baby Bum tried a 51-minute compilation of ABC songs, which did fairly well, but it was the 54-minute Wheels On The Bus compilation that took off.

The Guardian - Tech

I guess when I was 17, I just got a bus ticket and took off to South Dakota to re-find my family, you know?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bus took off" to convey a sense of immediacy or suddenness in the bus's departure, especially when describing a fast or unexpected movement.

Common error

While acceptable, "bus took off" might sound too informal in academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "departed" or "left" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bus took off" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of a bus departing or leaving a location. Ludwig shows it's generally accepted in common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bus took off" is a grammatically sound phrase, typically used in neutral to informal contexts, especially in news and media. It effectively communicates the departure of a bus, often implying a sudden or quick movement. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and provides examples from various sources. While suitable for general use, more formal alternatives like "departed" or "left" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bus departed

Formal substitute for "took off", implying a scheduled departure.

bus left

Simple and direct synonym for "took off", indicating a departure.

bus sped away

Emphasizes the speed and abruptness of the bus's departure.

bus pulled away

Describes the physical action of the bus moving from a stationary position.

bus started moving

Focuses on the initiation of movement by the bus.

bus set off

Similar to "took off", but with a slightly more formal tone and implies starting a journey.

bus rolled away

Emphasizes the continuous motion of the bus as it departs.

bus drove off

Highlights the driving action involved in the bus's departure.

bus began its journey

Focuses on the start of the bus's travel rather than just the act of leaving.

bus commenced its route

Indicates the official beginning of the bus's scheduled service.

FAQs

What does "bus took off" mean?

The phrase "bus took off" typically means the bus departed or left a specific location. It often implies a sense of quick or sudden departure.

What can I say instead of "bus took off"?

You can use alternatives like "bus departed", "bus left", or "bus sped away" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the bus took off"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in informal contexts and narratives. Ludwig confirms this usage.

What is the difference between "bus took off" and "bus departed"?

"Bus took off" is more informal and can imply a sudden or quick departure, while "bus departed" is more formal and generally implies a scheduled departure.