Do we travel by bus or in bus?

On the Bus or In the Bus? Decoding the Preposition Puzzle

We hop on a bike, on a train, and on a plane. But we get in a car. So, when it comes to buses, which preposition reigns supreme: do we travel on a bus or in a bus? The answer, it turns out, isn’t about the vehicle itself, but about the freedom of movement within the vehicle.

The key to unlocking this grammatical conundrum lies in considering passenger mobility. Think of it this way: “on” suggests a surface, implying a degree of freedom to move around. On a bus, particularly a double-decker or a longer articulated bus, passengers can typically stand, walk down the aisle, and change seats. This ability to move around, even if limited, aligns with the preposition “on.”

Conversely, “in” implies enclosure and restricted movement. Inside a car, passengers are generally confined to their seats, their movement limited by the vehicle’s compact interior. This sense of enclosure dictates the use of “in.”

Therefore, while both “on the bus” and “in the bus” are used and understood, “on the bus” is generally preferred and considered more grammatically accurate. The subtle difference hinges on the potential for movement within the bus. You are on the surface, within a larger enclosed space. You are not completely enclosed and immobile in the same way you are in a car.

This principle extends beyond buses. We ride on trains and on planes, both of which allow for passenger movement. Even with a bicycle, we are positioned on its frame, balancing and maneuvering.

So, the next time you’re discussing your commute, remember the mobility rule. If you can walk around, you’re likely on it. If you’re stuck in your seat, you’re in it. This simple distinction clarifies the sometimes confusing world of transport-related preposition usage.