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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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mice were used

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mice were used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing experiments, studies, or research involving mice as subjects or models. Example: "In the study on the effects of the new drug, mice were used to test its efficacy and safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Homozygous conditional mice were used as controls.

Science & Research

Nature

Both male and female mice were used.

Science & Research

Nature

Male mice were used for all experiments.

Science & Research

Nature

dTan3D-Bl6 mice were used as controls.

Science & Research

Nature

Only male mice were used in experiments.

Science & Research

Nature

CD4Cre Prdm1fl/+ mice were used as controls.

Science & Research

Nature

For quantification, 4 6 mice were used for each genotype.

Science & Research

Nature

Naïve mice were used as a negative control.

Science & Research

Nature

Two strains of mice were used in these experiments.

Science & Research

Nature

Forty-five mice were used in this study.

Science & Research

Nature

Different groups of mice were used for different experiments.

Science & Research

Nature
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental procedures, ensure clarity by specifying the strain, sex, and age of the "mice were used".

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of just stating "mice were used", provide details about the number of mice, their genetic background, and any relevant pre-treatment conditions.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mice were used" typically functions as part of the passive voice in a sentence, indicating that mice were the recipients of an action. Ludwig AI shows this passive construction is common in scientific writing, where the focus is often on the experiment rather than the experimenter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mice were used" is a grammatically correct and very common expression, predominantly found in scientific literature to describe experimental methodology. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this passive voice construction serves to report that mice served as subjects in a study. While clear and concise, you should provide specific details regarding the mice (strain, sex, age) to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "mice were employed" or active voice constructions (e.g., "researchers used mice") can be considered based on the desired formality and emphasis.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "mice were used" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "mice were employed" or "mice served as models". These options add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

What details should I include when stating "mice were used" in a research paper?

Always specify the strain, sex, age or weight range, and any specific characteristics of the mice. For example, "Female Balb/C "mice were used" at 8-12 weeks of age" provides more context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing the use of mice in a study?

While ""mice were used"" (passive voice) is common, using the active voice (e.g., "researchers used mice") can make your writing more direct and engaging. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What are some alternatives to ""mice were used"" if I want to emphasize the mice's role?

If you want to emphasize the role of the mice, consider using phrases like "mice served as" or "mice were utilized as" to highlight their function in the study.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: