To change the singular noun "bus" to its plural form, you add -es, resulting in buses.
Understanding the Plural Form of "Bus"
The most widely accepted and grammatically correct plural form of the noun "bus" is "buses." This follows a common English pluralization rule for nouns ending in a sibilant sound, such as 's', 'x', 'z', 'ch', or 'sh', where you typically add "-es" to form the plural.
Why "Buses" is Preferred
While you might occasionally encounter the spelling "busses," this form is exceedingly rare in modern English and is often perceived as an error by many native speakers and grammarians. The standard and preferred plural form remains "buses."
Examples in Sentences
- Singular: "I waited for the bus at the corner."
- Plural: "Several buses arrived at the station simultaneously."
- Less Common/Rare: "We saw two busses parked side by side." (This usage is very uncommon and generally not recommended.)
Pluralization Overview: "Bus"
| Singular | Plural | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| bus | buses | The standard, common, and correct plural form. |
| bus | busses | Extremely rare; often considered an error. |
General Rules for Forming Plurals
For many English nouns, forming the plural involves adding "-s" or "-es." For words like "bus" that end in 's', 'x', 'z', 'ch', or 'sh', adding "-es" ensures proper pronunciation and avoids ambiguity.
- Words ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, -sh: Add
-es.- Examples: bus → buses, box → boxes, quiz → quizzes, church → churches, dish → dishes.
- Most other nouns: Add
-s.- Examples: car → cars, table → tables, book → books.
For further information on general English pluralization rules, you can consult reputable grammar resources like Grammarly's guide on noun plurals.
