English · A1 · vocabulary · 4 minutes
Transport
Choose by + vehicle, on foot, and take/ride/drive accurately.
Understand the choice
Transport language combines means, destination, and ticket. By bus names the method generally; take the bus refers to a specific travel action.
Core rule: Use by + singular vehicle without an article for means; on foot is fixed; take + vehicle is an action.
Notice it in context
I go to work by bus, but Maya goes on foot.
Voy al trabajo en autobús, pero Maya va a pie.
By bus has no article; goes agrees with Maya; on foot is fixed.
We take the train and buy two tickets.
We use rail travel and purchase two travel documents.
Train and tickets are linked to the trip.
The tram stops at this stop near the bicycle.
The streetcar pauses at this marked place beside a bike.
Tram, stop, and bicycle appear directly.
What to remember
- Ride a bicycle; drive a car; fly by plane.
- Get on/off a bus or train, but get in/out of a car.
Common trap: Do not say by the bus for general means.