What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gerbil
Example
My sister has a pet gerbil named Charlie. [gerbil: noun]
Example
Gerbils are known for their love of digging tunnels. [gerbils: plural noun]
mouse
Example
There's a mouse in the kitchen! [mouse: noun]
Example
I prefer using a mouse over a touchpad when using my laptop. [mouse: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mouse is more commonly used than gerbil in everyday language, especially when referring to the computer input device. However, both words are familiar to most English speakers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gerbil and mouse?
Both gerbil and mouse are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
