used the bus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used the bus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of taking a bus as a mode of transportation in the past. Example: "Yesterday, I used the bus to get to the city center instead of driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Bloomberg used the bus ride to highlight his contention that without revenue from congestion pricing, it would be hard to expand the program or design similar ones.

The New York Times

Mead, who bought the bus in 2012, believes it was commissioned by Margaret Thatcher after the Brighton bombing in 1984, although he cannot be sure if the former prime minister ever used the bus.

The Guardian

He said suicide bombers had used the bus system to carry out two subway attacks in 2004, since "the passenger flow on private buses, unlike trains and planes, is virtually impossible to control," according to Interfax.

The New York Times

For more than five years he kept his day job as a police officer in Jerusalem and used the bus commute to write invitations and organize exhibitions by cellphone.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the past decade, some 2 million school children throughout the U.S. have used the bus to try their hands at recording music.

Forbes

Obama, meanwhile, used the bus tour to get to small towns like Oskaloosa (population 11,538) and Boone (population 12,635), where a visit had maximum impact.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I use the bus timetable app every day.

The Guardian - Tech

Off-peak X10 buses will not use the bus lane.

The New York Times

Accordingly, you are fully entitled to use the bus lanes".

The Guardian

"It would be so much easier if they would let him use the bus".

The New York Times

An increasing number of people never use the bus (currently standing at 50%).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's routine or habitual action, specify how often they "used the bus", such as "He used the bus daily to get to work".

Common error

While "used the bus" is correct, overuse can make writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using alternatives like "took the bus" or "travelled by bus" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used the bus" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action of utilizing a bus for transportation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and reflects a standard way to describe past bus usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used the bus" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a past event of utilizing a bus for transportation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly formal, its context dictates its register. Found predominantly in news and media, as well as some scientific sources, it indicates a neutral tone. While alternatives like "took the bus" or "rode the bus" exist, varying your word choice prevents repetition. Be specific with frequency of use to improve clarity. The phrase is simple, effective, and understood across a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took the bus

Direct synonym; replaces "used" with "took", a more common verb in this context.

rode the bus

Replaces "used" with "rode", emphasizing the act of riding as a passenger.

travelled by bus

Formal alternative; emphasizes the mode of travel.

caught the bus

British English alternative to "took the bus".

commuted by bus

Specifically refers to using the bus for commuting purposes.

boarded the bus

Emphasizes the action of getting on the bus.

utilized bus transportation

A more formal and technical alternative to "used the bus".

made use of the bus

Slightly more verbose way of saying "used the bus".

opted for bus travel

Emphasizes the choice of bus travel over other options.

availed oneself of the bus

An archaic and overly formal alternative.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "used the bus"?

You can use alternatives like "took the bus", "rode the bus", or "travelled by bus" depending on the context.

Is "used the bus" grammatically correct?

Yes, "used the bus" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-object structure.

How can I use "used the bus" in a sentence?

You can use "used the bus" to describe a past action of utilizing bus transportation, such as, "Yesterday, she "used the bus" to get to the library".

What's the difference between "used the bus" and "taking the bus"?

"Used the bus" refers to a completed action in the past. "Taking the bus" can refer to an ongoing action or a future plan. For example, "I "used the bus" yesterday", versus "I am taking the bus tomorrow".