Mouses vs Mice: What’s the Correct Plural of Mouse?

The English language can be wonderfully complex and occasionally perplexing. One such curiosity arises when discussing the plural of the word mouse. Is it mice, mouses, or something else entirely? The answer depends on the context:

Are we talking about rodents or computer devices? Let’s explore the history, grammar rules, and real-world examples to clear up the confusion surrounding this topic.

Mouse Singular or Plural?

To begin, let’s clarify whether mouse is singular or plural. The word mouse is singular, referring to one small rodent or a single computer device. For example:

• Singular (rodent): I saw a mouse in the kitchen.
• Singular (computer device): The mouse on my desk is wireless.

But what happens when there’s more than one mouse? That’s where the debate begins.

What Is the Plural of Mouse?

The plural of mouse changes based on the context. Here’s a breakdown:

• Rodents: The correct plural form is mice. For example, “Two mice were nibbling on cheese.”
• Computer devices: Both mice and mouses are acceptable, though mice is more common in formal usage.

Let’s delve into why this difference exists.

Why Is the Plural of Mouse Mice?

The plural form mice originates from Old English. Words like “mouse” and “louse” followed a pattern of irregular pluralization influenced by Germanic languages. Instead of adding “-s” or “-es,” the vowel sound changes. This is an example of irregular plurals in English:

• Mouse -> Mice
• Louse -> Lice
• Goose -> Geese

These irregular patterns can seem unusual but are rooted in historical linguistic evolution.

Computer Mouses vs Mice

In the context of technology, the plural of mouse becomes more flexible. Historically, when the computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964, the plural was unclear. Early computer users borrowed the term “mice” from rodents, but as the device became commonplace, the plural mouses also emerged. Today:

• Mice is preferred in formal and technical writing. Example: “The IT department ordered five new mice for the office.”
• Mouses is used in informal contexts or by some industry professionals. Example: “We need two more mouses for this setup.”

Mouse and Mice Difference

The difference between mice and mouse lies in the singular and plural forms, as well as the context. Here’s a simple comparison:

Term	Singular/Plural	Context
Mouse	Singular	Rodents, Computers
Mice	Plural	Rodents, Computers
Mouses	Plural	Computers (informal)

For example:

• Rodent context: “One mouse, two mice.”
• Computer context: “One mouse, two mice or two mouses.”

2 Mouses or 2 Mice?

When referring to computer devices, you can say 2 mouses or 2 mice, depending on the audience:

• Formal: Use “2 mice” in emails, reports, or academic settings.
• Informal: “2 mouses” is acceptable in casual speech or informal writing.

For instance, in an email to a colleague:

Subject: Request for Additional Equipment
Hi Sarah,
Can we order 2 mice for the new workstations? The current mouses aren’t functioning well.
Thanks,
Alex

This usage demonstrates how both terms can coexist in context.

Plural Forms of Mouse: Formal vs Informal Usage

The flexibility in the plural forms of mouse reflects the nature of the English language. In formal documents, “mice” is almost always correct, even for technology. Informally, “mouses” has gained acceptance, particularly in conversations among tech users.

Here’s an example:

• Formal: “The mice were connected to each workstation.”
• Informal: “We need more mouses for this gaming setup.”

Irregular Plurals in English

The English language is filled with irregular plurals that defy simple rules. Here are some examples:

Singular	Plural
Mouse	Mice
Louse	Lice
Goose	Geese
Sheep	Sheep
Moose	Moose

Notice how some words, like “sheep” and “moose,” remain the same in both singular and plural forms. These exceptions add to the complexity of English grammar plural rules.

Mouse Plural for Rodents vs Computers

When discussing the mouse plural for rodents, the answer is always mice. For example:

• “The farmer found several mice in the barn.”

However, when referring to computers, the plural can be mice or mouses, depending on the tone and formality of the conversation.

Computer Mouse Plural Oxford

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the plural of computer mouse can be either mice or mouses, but mice is more widely accepted. For example:

• Preferred: “The lab has a drawer full of spare mice.”
• Accepted: “The technician repaired several faulty mouses.”

Mice vs. Mouse vs. Rat

It’s worth noting the differences between mice, mouse, and rat in the context of rodents:

• Mouse: Small, delicate rodent with a pointed nose.
• Mice: Plural of mouse, often associated with tiny rodents.
• Rat: Larger, more robust rodent with a longer tail.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for discussing rodent behavior or pest control.

History of the Computer Mouse

The computer mouse was first developed in the 1960s by Douglas Engelbart. Originally, it was a wooden device with a single button, designed to improve human-computer interaction. Over time, its ergonomic design evolved, leading to the modern mice we use today.

In technology, the pluralization of mouse became a topic of debate as the device gained popularity. This is why both mouses and mice are used today.

Technical Context vs Informal Usage

In technical contexts, sticking to mice is recommended for clarity. However, in informal usage, “mouses” adds a conversational tone. Here’s how to use each:

• Technical: “The user connected two wireless mice to the system.”
• Informal: “I need a couple of new mouses for the gaming setup.”

Examples of Usage in Emails

Formal Example:

Subject: New Equipment Request
Dear IT Department,
Can we purchase three new mice for the design team? The current devices are outdated.
Thank you,
Emily

Informal Example:

Subject: Extra Mouses Needed
Hey Chris,
Do we have any spare mouses lying around? My desk setup could use an upgrade.
Cheers,
Jake

Conclusion

When it comes to the plural of mouse, the correct form depends on the context. For rodents, the answer is always mice. For computer devices, both mice and mouses are acceptable, with mice being the preferred choice in formal settings. Understanding the nuances of English grammar plural rules can help you communicate effectively, whether discussing rodents or technology. So, the next time you’re faced with a choice between mouses vs mice, you’ll know exactly which to use.