I was on a bus vs I was taking a bus

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I was on a bus' indicates that you were physically present inside a bus at a certain point in time. 'I was taking a bus' suggests that you were using a bus as a mode of transportation to get from one place to another.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1576 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate being physically present inside a bus.

"I was on a bus"

This phrase is used to describe the location of someone inside a bus at a specific time.

Examples:

I was on a bus when I received the phone call.
She fell asleep while she was on the bus.
He always reads a book when he is on the bus.
We were on the bus for two hours.
The kids were on the bus on their way to school.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was on a bus, and...
The last time I was on a bus like this, I was heading to Fox River.
Few days after I gave birth, I was on a bus heading home to kansas.
Like the other day... ...I was on a bus, and this guy comes up to me and says... ..."Do you work out?"
I was on a... bus with 32 third-graders.
But in the interest of full disclosure, I was once on a bus and had to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to an elderly nun who passed out from heat exhaustion.
I think he was on a bus.
I was on the bus for a minute before security came in.
Last thing I did was put him on a bus to New York.
Obviously you didn't notice that I was on bus 25 a few days ago
I was looking for a bus timetable.
I was once knocked up my rollerskates by a beautiful woman driving a bus.
I was driving behind a bus this week, and I took a photo of the message he's put on it.
No. No, I was trying to get the money so I could take a bus.
When you said you wanted a boyfriend to ride a bus with... I was so sad.
You know, I was really disappointed when I saw her take a bus.
Look, if I was you, I would go to Port authority and get on a bus right now.
Last night I got on a bus to Ravenswood, thinking I was going there to help my girlfriend Hanna.
I wish I'd been hit by a bus when I was 50.
Well, because - Every time I came down to see her on a bus... I was always every time wasting time on a bus.

Alternatives:

I was riding a bus
I was traveling by bus
I was sitting on a bus
I was commuting on a bus
I was a passenger on a bus

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate using a bus as a mode of transportation.

"I was taking a bus"

This phrase is used to describe the action of using a bus as a means of transportation to travel from one place to another.

Examples:

I was taking a bus to work every day.
She was taking a bus to visit her friend.
He was taking a bus to get to the airport.
We were taking a bus to the city center.
They were taking a bus to the beach.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm taking a bus to new jersey.
Taking a bus never seems to end well here.
By taking a bus tour of downtown Denver.
We only have a moment, for we are taking a bus tour of Providence and other places.
I don't want to go back to base and think about you taking a bus home at 3:00 a.m.
Taking a bus to the skull scrambles up the old noggin a bit.
Are you taking a bus or the subway?
We only have a moment, for we are taking a bus tour of Providence and other places.
I'm taking a late bus out to the Hamptons tonight, and I've got a sink full of dishes that my assistant did not clean.
You were seen taking him on a bus
In fact, Lucille had refused to drive him to the army base... so Buster was taking his very first bus ride.
Are you taking a bus or do you want a taxi?
You're not taking the bus home late.
I'm taking the bus and it leaves in seven minutes.
I got tired of taking the bus.
We're taking the bus home.
No. I son of feel like taking the bus.
I son of feel like taking the bus.
- No... we are taking the bus home.
I am never taking the bus again.

Alternatives:

I was riding a bus
I was traveling by bus
I was on a bus
I was commuting by bus
I was a passenger on a bus

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

I was on a bus vs I was taking a bus

"I was on a bus"

"I was taking a bus"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text