Mouths vs Mouthes: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Have you ever found yourself wondering if it’s “mouths” or “mouthes”? You’re not alone. It’s a common question that many people struggle with. But fear not, we’re here to help clear up any confusion.

The proper word is “mouths”, which is the plural form of “mouth”. “Mouth” refers to the opening in the face that is used for speaking, eating, and breathing. “Mouthes” is not a word in the English language and is considered incorrect.

Now that we’ve established the correct terminology, let’s dive into why this distinction is important and how it can impact your writing.

Define Mouths

When we talk about “mouths,” we are referring to the oral cavity of a human being or an animal. It is the opening through which food, water, and air enter the body. The mouth is made up of several parts, including the lips, teeth, tongue, and gums. The primary function of the mouth is to aid in the digestion of food by breaking it down into smaller pieces that can be easily swallowed and processed by the rest of the digestive system.

Define Mouthes

The term “mouthes” is not a commonly used word in the English language. However, it can be used as an archaic plural form of the word “mouth.” In this context, it would refer to multiple oral cavities of humans or animals. It is important to note that this usage is not widely accepted or recognized in modern English, and the standard plural form of “mouth” is “mouths.”

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using the words “mouths” and “mouthes” in a sentence, it’s important to understand their differences and how to use them correctly. Here’s a guide to help you use these words properly in your writing.

How To Use “Mouths” In A Sentence

The word “mouths” is the plural form of “mouth,” which refers to the opening in the face through which food and drink are taken in and words are spoken. Here are some examples of how to use “mouths” in a sentence:

• The lions opened their mouths wide to roar.
• The children’s mouths were full of candy.
• The protesters chanted with their mouths open.

As you can see, “mouths” is used to refer to the openings in the faces of multiple people or animals.

How To Use “Mouthes” In A Sentence

The word “mouthes” is not a commonly used word in the English language. However, it can be used as an archaic or poetic form of the word “mouth.” Here are some examples of how to use “mouthes” in a sentence:

• The knight raised his sword to the dragon’s mouthes.
• The poet spoke of the river’s many mouthes.
• The old book described the monster’s gaping mouthes.

As you can see, “mouthes” is used to refer to the openings in the faces of creatures or objects, often in a poetic or archaic context.

More Examples Of Mouths & Mouthes Used In Sentences

In this section, we’ll provide even more examples of how to use the words “mouths” and “mouthes” in sentences. By seeing these words in context, you’ll be able to better understand their meanings and usage.

Examples Of Using “Mouths” In A Sentence

• She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
• The baby had milk all around his mouth after feeding.
• He covered his mouth when he coughed to avoid spreading germs.
• The singer had a beautiful voice that filled the room and left everyone with their mouths open in awe.
• The dog had a bone in his mouth and was happily chewing away.
• The doctor asked the patient to open his mouth and say “ahh”.
• She put her hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle.
• The restaurant served food that was so delicious, it left a lingering taste in our mouths.
• He spoke with a mouth full of food, which made it difficult to understand him.
• The politician promised to speak out of both sides of his mouth to please everyone.

Examples Of Using “Mouthes” In A Sentence

• The cat caught a mouse in its mouthes.
• She carefully applied lipstick to her mouthes.
• The fish had sharp teeth in its mouthes.
• The artist painted a portrait with intricate details, including the subject’s mouthes.
• He spoke with a lisp, causing him to mispronounce certain words with his mouthes.
• The doctor examined the patient’s mouthes and noticed a cavity.
• The baby had a pacifier in both of its mouthes.
• The chef used a pastry bag to create intricate designs on the dessert using different colored creams and mouthes.
• The snake displayed its fangs by opening its mouthes wide.
• The dentist instructed the patient to rinse his mouthes with mouthwash.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

It’s easy to confuse the usage of “mouths” and “mouthes,” but it’s important to understand the distinction between the two. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Mouthes” As The Plural Form Of “Mouth”

One common mistake people make is using “mouthes” as the plural form of “mouth.” However, “mouthes” is not a word in the English language. The correct plural form of “mouth” is “mouths.”

Using “Mouths” To Refer To A Single Mouth

Another common mistake is using “mouths” to refer to a single mouth. “Mouths” is the plural form of “mouth” and should only be used when referring to more than one mouth. When referring to a single mouth, use “mouth.”

Using “Mouthes” In Possessive Form

Some people may use “mouthes” in possessive form, such as “the dog’s mouthes.” However, the correct possessive form of “mouth” is “mouth’s.” Using “mouthes” in this context is incorrect.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Always double-check the spelling of “mouth” and “mouths” before using them in your writing.
• Remember that “mouthes” is not a word in the English language.
• If you’re unsure whether to use “mouth” or “mouths,” consider the number of mouths you’re referring to.
• Read your writing out loud to check for any errors in usage.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “mouths” and “mouthes”, context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. While both words refer to the same body part, the choice between them can change depending on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts where the choice between “mouths” and “mouthes” might change:

Context	Example	Correct Usage
Medical Terminology	The patient has multiple ulcers in their mouth.	Mouth is the correct usage in medical terminology.
Animal Anatomy	The lion has sharp teeth in its mouth.	Mouth is the correct usage when referring to animal anatomy.
Everyday Conversation	My friend has a big smile with lots of teeth in their mouthes.	Mouthes is an uncommon and incorrect usage in everyday conversation. Mouths is the correct usage.

As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “mouths” and “mouthes” can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It’s important to use the correct usage to ensure clear communication and avoid confusion.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using mouths and mouthes are typically straightforward, there are some exceptions to these guidelines. Here are a few instances where the rules may not apply:

Plural Possessives

When indicating possession for plural nouns ending in “s,” the apostrophe is typically placed after the “s.” However, when the word “mouth” is used in this context, the apostrophe should be placed before the “s.” For example:

• The mouths’ shapes varied greatly.
• The cats’ mouths were all open wide.

Compound Words

When “mouth” is used as part of a compound word, the spelling may differ from the standard rules. For example:

• Northmouth: a town in Massachusetts
• Bigmouth: a person who talks excessively

Regional Differences

There may also be variations in the use of “mouth” and “mouths” based on regional differences or colloquialisms. For example, in some areas, “mouths” may be used more frequently than “mouthes” or vice versa.

It’s important to note that while these exceptions may exist, they are not common and should not be used as a justification for incorrect usage of these words. By following the standard rules for using “mouth” and “mouths,” writers can ensure clear communication and avoid confusion for their readers.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have delved into the intricacies of the usage of “mouths” and “mouthes,” it’s time to put our knowledge into practice. Here are a few exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks

Choose the correct form of “mouth” or “mouths” to fill in the blanks in the following sentences:

1. The baby’s __________ were wide open as he stared in amazement at the colorful mobile above his crib.
2. The singer’s powerful __________ filled the concert hall.
3. My dentist told me to open my __________ wider so she could get a better look at my molars.
4. The children giggled as they blew __________ full of bubbles.
5. The cat yawned, revealing its sharp __________ and pink tongue.

Answer Key:

1. mouth
2. mouths
3. mouth
4. mouths
5. teeth

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of “mouth” or “mouthes”:

1. When I have a sore throat, my __________ feels dry and scratchy.
2. The basketball players wiped their sweaty __________ with their jerseys.
3. My little brother loves to make funny faces and stick out his __________.
4. After eating garlic, it’s important to brush your __________ to get rid of the smell.
5. The baby bird chirped loudly, begging its mother to put a worm in its hungry __________.

Answer Key:

1. mouth
2. mouths
3. mouth
4. mouth
5. mouth

By practicing these exercises, you’ll become more confident in your ability to use “mouths” and “mouthes” correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper spelling of the plural form of “mouth” is “mouths.” The incorrect spelling “mouthes” is a common mistake, but it is important for writers to use correct grammar and language use to convey their message effectively.

Throughout this article, we have discussed the origin of the word “mouth,” its usage in the English language, and the common misspelling of its plural form. It is important to note that proper grammar and language use not only enhance the credibility of the writer but also make the message clearer to the reader.

Key Takeaways

• The plural form of “mouth” is “mouths.”
• Using proper grammar and language use is essential for effective communication.
• Common misspellings can negatively impact the credibility of the writer.

As writers, we should always strive to improve our language skills and grammar knowledge. By doing so, we can effectively convey our message and connect with our audience.

Thank you for reading this article, and we encourage you to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve your writing skills.