The word mouse can refer to both an animal and a computer device. The plural form of the animal is mice, while the plural for the computer device is also commonly mice. However some people may still use mouses for the computer device.
When we talk about pluralization, mice is the correct choice for both meanings. The word mouses is less common and might sound old-fashioned. Understanding the difference between these two words helps you use them correctly in both animals and technology.
What does the Word “Mouse” Mean?
A mouse is a small animal. It has a long tail big ears and loves to nibble on food like cheese. Mice live in homes and fields. They are tiny creatures that often sneak around looking for food.
A mouse is also a tool for computers. It is used to move the pointer on the screen. You move it on a flat surface to click on things. The computer mouse helps you control what happens on the screen.
What’s the Difference between “Rat” and “Mouse”?
Difference in Size
A rat is bigger than a mouse. Rats have longer bodies and tails. They also weigh more. Mice are smaller with shorter tails and bodies. Rats are usually much heavier than mice.
Difference in Behavior
Rats can be more aggressive than mice. Mice are often shy and quiet. Rats might cause more damage because they are stronger. Mice, however, can fit into smaller spaces and are less likely to fight.
Plural of “Mouse”
(Animal): For the animal mouse, the plural form is mice. This is an unusual plural that changes the ending of the word. When you see many mice together, it means there is more than one mouse.
Computer Device: For the computer mouse, the common plural form is also mice. Some people may still say mouses when talking about computer devices, but mice is preferred today. This makes it easy to remember both forms.
| Singular | Plural | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse (Animal) | Mice | Mice is the correct plural form for the animal mouse. |
| Mouse (Computer) | Mice (Common) | Mice is the usual plural form for the computer mouse and is widely accepted. |
| Mouse (Computer) | Mouses (Less Common) | Mouses can be used for computer devices but is rare. Mice is more commonly accepted. |
Which One Should Be Used “Mouses” or “Mice”?
Mice is the best choice for both animals and computer devices. For example if you have more than one computer mouse, you should say mice. This word works well and sounds natural for both meanings.
Some people still say mouses for computer devices but it is less common. Using mice keeps things simple and easy to understand. So, when in doubt, choose mice for both animals and computers.
Origins of the Word “Mouse”
The word mouse has a long history. It comes from the Old English word “mūs,” which people used hundreds of years ago. This word also has links to an ancient language called Proto-Indo-European, where it sounded very similar.
For the computer mouse, the name likely came from its shape, which looks like a small mouse with a tail. The inventor, Douglas Engelbart, created it in the 1960s. People found the name fun, and it quickly became popular.
Using “Mouse,” “Mice” and “Mouses” in Sentences
When talking about the animal, use mouse for one and mice for more than one. For computers, mouse is also correct for one, while mice or mouses can describe more than one. Mice is most common.
Mouse:
- I have one mouse as a pet.
- A small mouse ran across the floor.
- My mouse for the computer is not working.
- Move the mouse to click on the icon.
- She held the mouse gently in her hand.
Mice:
- Mice live in small holes and often search for food.
- Scientists often use mice for experiments in labs.
- The attic had tiny mice running around quietly.
- People sometimes keep mice as pets because they are small.
- Mice can fit through tiny openings to find food.
Mouses:
- Mouses is used to talk about more than one computer mouse.
- Some people say mouses, but mice is more common.
- For example, “The classroom has many mouses.”
- It’s fine to say mouses, but mice sounds better.
- Use mouses when talking about different types of computer mice.
FAQ’s
Is the plural of mouse mice or mouses?
The plural of **mouse** is **mice**. **Mice** is the correct form for both animals and computer devices.
What is the plural of “mouse” (animal)?
The plural of mouse (animal) is mice. You usemice when talking about more than one mouse.
What is the plural of “mouse” (computer)?
The plural of mouse(computer) is usually mice. Some people say mouses, but miceis more common.
Can I use “mouses” for computer mice?
You can use mouses for computer devices, but mice is the preferred and more common choice.
Is “mice” correct for both animal and computer?
Yes, mice works for both animals and computer devices. It is the most widely used plural.
Are “mouses” ever correct?
Yes, mouses is sometimes used, but it is less common and sounds old-fashioned compared to mice.
What should I use for multiple computer mice?
For multiple computer mice, you should use mice. It is the most accepted form today.
Conclusion
The correct plural form of mouse is mice. Whether you’re talking about the small animal or the computer device mice is the widely accepted and most common way to refer to more than one mouse. This form follows a unique rule in the English language as some words change in an unusual way when pluralized.
Although some people still use mouses for computer devices, it is less common and sounds outdated. Mice has become the preferred plural for both animals and computer tools. It is simple and easy to remember.
To sum up, the best choice is to always use mice when referring to more than one mouse. Whether you are discussing furry creatures or tech gadgets, mice will keep your language clear and up-to-date.
Read More:
Jacob Harrison is the seasoned writer behind Grammar Insights, with over nine years of experience in the field. Passionate about language, he shares practical tips and strategies to help readers enhance their grammar and writing skills. With a friendly approach, Jacob makes learning accessible and enjoyable for everyone.