using public transport

USAGE SUMMARY

'using public transport' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that someone is traveling by bus, train, tram, or other forms of public transportation. For example, "Many commuters are using public transport to reduce their carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need more Barcelonas and fewer Atlantas, because that will encourage us to change the way we live: walking more, using public transport more, sharing cars, cycling.

The Guardian

Cut costs by arranging your own visits, using public transport.

The Guardian - Travel

Unfortunately this route is impossible to do using public transport.

The Guardian - Travel

Such fears dissuade people from using public transport.

The Guardian

It was too dark and she felt uncomfortable using public transport.

The Guardian - Opinion

Try getting from south-east London to north-west London using public transport.

The Guardian - Tech

This will help increase the number of passengers using public transport".

The Guardian

Johnson said that the people using public transport at night in London were not party animals.

The Guardian

Only 10% mention the far more important goals of using public transport or reducing foreign holidays.

The Guardian

This follows more prosaic advice on turning off taps and lights, and walking, cycling or using public transport where possible.

The Guardian - Sport

Three years on, I sometimes find myself feeling tense when using public transport, especially when it's dark.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about environmental impact, emphasize the positive aspects of "using public transport" compared to driving private vehicles.

Common error

Be specific about the type of public transport you're referring to. Instead of broadly stating "using public transport", specify "taking the bus", "riding the train", or "commuting by subway" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "using public transport" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a verb, describing an action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "using public transport" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase that functions as a gerund, typically serving as a noun in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its prevalence across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. It is used to discuss the benefits of public transportation, such as reducing traffic and emissions. While versatile, specificity may enhance clarity. Alternative phrases include "taking public transit" and "riding public transportation". The phrase maintains a neutral register and offers a sustainable mode of transport.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking public transit

Replaces "transport" with "transit", which is a common synonym in North America.

riding public transportation

Substitutes "using" with "riding" and replaces "transport" with "transportation".

commuting via public transport

Focuses on commuting and specifies "via" public transport.

traveling by public transport

Replaces "using" with "traveling by", emphasizing the mode of travel.

opting for public transport

Highlights the choice of using public transport over other options.

availing of public transport

Uses the more formal "availing of" instead of "using".

patronizing public transport

Emphasizes supporting public transport through usage.

making use of public transport

Replaces "using" with the more verbose "making use of".

depending on public transportation

Highlights reliance on public transport.

accessing public transport services

Focuses on accessing the services provided by public transport.

FAQs

What are the benefits of "using public transport"?

Using public transport can reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and save money on fuel and parking. It can also provide an opportunity to relax or work during your commute.

What can I say instead of "using public transport"?

You can use alternatives like "taking public transit", "riding public transportation", or "commuting via public transport" depending on the context.

Is "using public transport" formal or informal?

"Using public transport" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "availing of public transport" exist for very formal writing.

How does "using public transport" contribute to sustainability?

Using public transport reduces the number of individual vehicles on the road, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and helps to improve air quality, contributing to a more sustainable environment.