taking the bus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking the bus" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of using a bus as a mode of transportation. Example: "I prefer taking the bus to work instead of driving." Alternative expressions include "riding the bus" and "using the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They said, "No, we're taking the bus".

The New York Times

So he stopped taking the bus.

The New York Times

Lately, they've started taking the bus.

The Guardian - Arts

But since what happened, I'm taking the bus".

The New York Times

Ana Fleitas dreads taking the bus every morning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One day, according to Shannon, she and Davis were taking the bus to a work project.

The New Yorker

Students from Bowdoin College have started taking the bus to school.

The New York Times

Mr. Mazzone uses the analogy of someone forgoing auto insurance alternatively taking the bus.

The New York Times

Anonymous, Bath There was this one time I was taking the bus with my friend.

The Guardian

"Taking the bus, you can run four, so that's not saving you any money".

The New York Times - Magazine

The policy change forced thousands of people to walk instead of taking the bus.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In US English, feel free to substitute with "riding the bus" for a more colloquial tone, while "taking the bus" remains preferred in British English and formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "taking a bus" when you are referring to the public transportation system as a whole. Use "the bus" to signify the service or the general concept of transit, and only use "a bus" if you are referring to a single, non-specific vehicle (e.g. "I saw a bus in the distance").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the bus" primarily functions as a gerund phrase or a verb phrase depending on its placement. In many Ludwig examples, it acts as the object of a verb (e.g. "stopped taking the bus") or as a subject describing an activity. According to Ludwig AI, it is a perfectly standard way to describe using public transport.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

22%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "taking the bus" is a ubiquitous and essential phrase in the English language. Based on Ludwig AI analysis and the extensive data provided, it is universally accepted as the standard way to describe the act of using bus transportation. Whether used in high-brow journalism like The New Yorker to describe a character's journey or in WikiHow for practical advice, the phrase remains consistent and clear. While "riding the bus" is a valid regional alternative, "taking the bus" is the most versatile option for writers across all English-speaking regions. Use it confidently to describe commutes, travel habits or specific transit events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

riding the bus

Common in American English, focusing on the state of being a passenger.

using the bus

Emphasizes the bus as a utility or chosen method of transport.

catching the bus

Focuses on the specific action of arriving at the stop to board a scheduled service.

going by bus

A simpler, more direct way to describe the method of travel.

traveling by bus

A more formal description of the mode of transit.

commuting by bus

Specifically refers to regular travel between home and work or school.

boarding the bus

Focuses specifically on the act of entering the vehicle.

using public transit

Generalizes the mode of transport to include buses, trains and subways.

hop on a bus

An informal, idiomatic expression suggesting a casual or quick trip.

bus transit

A more technical or administrative term for the service itself.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "taking the bus" or "riding the bus"?

Both are correct. "taking the bus" is standard and common worldwide, while "riding the bus" is especially popular in American English.

How do I use "taking the bus" in a sentence?

You can use it as a gerund subject, such as "taking the bus to work is cheaper than driving", or as a continuous verb phrase like "I am taking the bus home today".

What is the difference between "taking the bus" and "taking a bus"?

Using "the" refers to the public service or a specific route you usually use. Using "a" suggests any random bus among many. Most people prefer "taking the bus" when discussing their commute.

What can I say instead of "taking the bus" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you might use "utilizing public transportation" or "traveling via bus".