head on a bus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "head on a bus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing transportation, travel, or even metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is in transit or on their way to a destination. Example: "After a long day at work, I finally found a seat with my head on a bus, ready to relax during the commute home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Malala was shot in the head on a bus going home from school.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her efforts led to her being shot in the head on a school bus a year ago.

Independent

Anna Cedeno, a retired seamstress and grandmother of four, was killed in April in Westbury, NY, while headed to a bus on her way home from Costco.

Huffington Post

She was shot in the head on a school bus by Taliban gunmen because of her campaign for girls' rights.

BBC

After several unsuccessful attempts to get on the bus, SpongeBob heads to a bus station and waits in a very long line.

Wikipedia

Late one June afternoon, Angela Chibwe was heading home on a bus on this city's main road when she noticed an elephant on the side of the road.

The New York Times

Hogan was 36 when his car had a head-on collision with a bus on a foggy morning outside Van Horn, Tex.

The New York Times - Sports

Ben Hogan, the best golfer of his era, nearly died in 1949 when his Cadillac had a head-on collision with a bus that pulled out into an oncoming lane on a foggy Texas highway.

The New York Times - Sports

Knowing she can no longer guarantee a roof over his head, she puts him on a bus headed north to Harlem to stay with his grandparents, from whom she's been estranged for years.

Huffington Post

One minute, you're going about your business, absent-mindedly walking into a head-on collision with a bus; the next, you're stuck in a room, subject to the whims of a rather officious middle manager.

The New York Times

Bokhary's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a bus on Stubbs Road shortly after midnight on 27 January 2010.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "head on a bus", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to a physical head, a mental state, or a metaphorical journey. Clarity is crucial to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "head on a bus" in contexts where the meaning could be misinterpreted. Be specific to ensure readers understand the intended meaning, whether it's a physical object, a state of mind, or a directional journey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "head on a bus" functions primarily as a noun phrase, potentially acting as a subject complement or object depending on the sentence structure. The Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable, as showcased in the provided examples, which predominantly come from News & Media sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "head on a bus" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It can be used both literally and metaphorically, primarily appearing in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While grammatically sound, clarity is essential to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, emphasizing either the physical presence or the mental state during travel. When writing, ensure the context is clear to prevent misinterpretation. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for general audiences, as seen in its appearance across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mind occupied on the bus

Focuses on the mental state rather than the physical presence on the bus.

lost in thought on the bus

Emphasizes the act of being absorbed in thought while traveling by bus.

preoccupied during the bus ride

Highlights the mental state of being preoccupied during the bus journey.

deep in contemplation on the bus

Indicates a state of deep thinking while on the bus.

engrossed in thought while commuting

Focuses on the absorption in thought during the act of commuting.

pondering on the public transport

Highlights the act of pondering while using public transport.

musing during the bus journey

Emphasizes the act of musing while traveling by bus.

reflecting while riding the bus

Indicates a state of reflection while traveling by bus.

absorbed in reflection on the bus

Highlights the absorption in reflection while on the bus.

thinking intently while on public transit

Focuses on the act of thinking intently while using public transit.

FAQs

How can "head on a bus" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "head on a bus" can be used literally, referring to a physical object, or metaphorically, describing someone deep in thought while traveling by bus. For example: "After a long day, he rested his head on a bus" or "With his head on a bus, he pondered his future".

What does "head on a bus" mean?

Literally, "head on a bus" refers to someone's head being physically present on a bus. Metaphorically, it can describe someone who is travelling, or someone who is lost in thought while on a bus.

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "head on a bus"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "lost in thought on the bus" if describing someone's mental state, or simply "traveling by bus" if focusing on the mode of transport.

Is it grammatically correct to say "head on a bus"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it's essential to ensure the context provides clarity. Without context, it might sound unusual or incomplete.