"catch a bus" and "take a bus"

Posted by Bob on December 06, 2005

In Reply to: "Catch a bus" and "take a bus" posted by James Briggs on December 06, 2005

: : : Is there any difference between "catch a bus" and "take a bus" ? Anything to do with the bus going out of town or travelling within the town itself?
: : : Thanks!

: : Growing up in an urban area, I always took a bus.
: : I would think the two terms could be used interchangeably.

: : Someone could and possibly will discuss the minute nuances of the differences between the two phrases.

: Bruce, here goes!
: I tend to use the 'catch' variant if I'm about to use a bus - 'I'm off to catch the bus'. The 'take' variant is a little more distant in the future. 'If I decide to go, I think I'll take the bus'(or 'go by bus').

The distinctions are minute, all right. Nobody will misunderstand if you use one over the other. "Catching" a bus relates to the act of being there and boarding it, usually at a specific time. "Taking a bus" is the mode of transport. Tiny difference.

• "Catch a bus" and "take a bus" Smokey Stover 06/December/05
  • "Catch a bus" and "take a bus" R. Berg 06/December/05
    • "Catch a bus" and "take a bus" RRC 06/December/05