Mouses vs Mice Whats the Correct Plural? If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “mouses” or “mice” when talking about more than one mouse, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of those things in English that can trip people up, especially since the word mouse has multiple meanings. We know that “mice” is the plural when referring to the furry little rodent, but what about when we talk about computer mice?
In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion, explain the correct usage for both contexts, and provide some real examples to help you feel more confident the next time you need to use either form.
Definition
The word “mouse” has two main meanings:
- A small, usually furry rodent.
- A computer input device used to control the cursor on a screen.
Now, here’s the key:
- When you’re talking about rodents, the plural is always “mice.”
- But when it comes to computer devices, the technically correct plural is “mouses,” though “mice” is often used informally in that context.
Meaning & Explanation
Mice (for rodents)
When we’re talking about the small animals, “mice” is the plural form. This follows one of English’s many irregular plural rules—just like “tooth” becomes “teeth” and “man” becomes “men.” It’s easy to remember and widely accepted in any context where you’re describing the little creatures.
Mouses (for computers)
Here’s where things can get a bit tricky. While “mouses” is the correct plural when referring to multiple computer mice, many people still say “mice” even in tech contexts. This might be because the word “mice” is so closely tied to the idea of technology and devices. However, “mouses” is still the grammatically accurate choice, especially when talking about more than one computer mouse in a formal or technical setting.
Examples & Usage
Let’s break down some examples so you can see how these two terms are used.
Mice (for rodents):
- We had to call an exterminator because there were too many mice in the attic.
- Mice can spread diseases like hantavirus, so it’s important to get rid of them quickly.
- The cat loves to chase mice around the yard.
Here, “mice” is the correct term for the rodent.
Mouses (for computers):
- I have two mouses on my desk—one for work and one for gaming.
- The office just bought new mouses for all employees to improve ergonomics.
- Which mouses do you recommend for someone who spends all day working on a computer?
While “mice” might slip in here too, “mouses” is the technically correct form when referring to the devices.
Types & Categories
Mice (for rodents)
There are several types of mice species, depending on where they live. Some of the most common include:
- House mouse (Mus musculus): Found in homes and buildings.
- Field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus): Lives in outdoor areas like fields and forests.
- Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus): Known for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease.
- Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus): Typically found in woodlands.
Mouses (for computers)
Just as there are different types of mice in the animal world, there are also different types of computer mouses. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Type of Mouse | Description |
| Wired Mouse | A mouse that connects to your computer via a cable. |
| Wireless Mouse | A mouse that connects through Bluetooth or a USB receiver. |
| Gaming Mouse | A high-performance mouse with extra buttons and precision, designed for gamers. |
| Optical Mouse | Uses light to track movement, providing smoother and more accurate control. |
These are just a few of the types of computer mouses available, with each serving different user needs.
Related Words & Synonyms
To help clarify how mice and mouses are used, here are some related words and synonyms:
Mice (for rodents):
- Rodent
- Vermin
- Field mouse
- House mouse
- Deer mouse
Mouses (for computers):
- Input device
- Cursor controller
- Pointing device
- Peripheral
These related words give you a sense of the variety within both contexts, whether you’re discussing rodents or computer technology.
FAQ Section
1. What’s the plural of “mouse” when referring to rodents?
For rodents, the plural of “mouse” is “mice.” This is an irregular plural, much like “tooth” becomes “teeth.”
2. Can I use “mouses” when talking about rodents?
No, “mouses” is not correct when referring to rodents. The plural for rodents is always “mice.”
3. When should I use “mouses” instead of “mice”?
Use “mouses” when referring to multiple computer mouses. It’s the technically correct plural in this context, although “mice” is often used informally.
4. Can “mice” be used to refer to computer devices?
Yes, “mice” is often used informally for computer devices, but “mouses” is more precise in formal or technical writing.
5. Why is the plural of “mouse” for rodents “mice”?
English has many irregular plural forms, and “mice” is one of them. It follows the pattern of words like “goose” to “geese.”
Conclusion
Mouses vs Mice Whats the Correct Plural? In summary, the plural of “mouse” depends on the context:
- For rodents, it’s always “mice.”
- For computer devices, “mouses” is the grammatically correct plural, though “mice” is still commonly used informally.
So next time you’re referring to more than one mouse, just think about whether you mean the furry creature or the tech gadget, and you’ll know which plural form to use. It’s all about context!
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