‘Input' or 'Imput': Which is Correct?

Many people wonder whether 'input' or 'imput' is correct. If you are one of them, you are in the right place!

In this guide, I will explain which is correct and give you the definition, meaning, rules, and examples. Hopefully, you have a few minutes to read through it.

Before we start, I will give you a short answer in case you are in a hurry. 

Here it is: 

• 'Input' is a correctly spelled word that means to put in or add insight, advice, or thoughts on something. 
• 'Imput' is a misspelling of input; you should never use it because it is not a word.

Now, let's get into why the first spelling is correct.

Which is Correct: 'Input' or 'Imput?'

Between 'input' and 'imput,' only the first term is an accurate spelling. You can remember the correct spelling by considering its meaning of putting in something. 

Definition: What Does 'Input' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'input' is a noun or verb defined as:

• Advice, thoughts, opinions, or comments put into a group, meeting, or conversation

It can also mean:

• Data entered into software or a computer system
• The amount of something that you put in
• To contribute, typically intellectually
• Another name for data entry

Synonyms of 'Input'

• Addition
• Opinions
• Insight
• Thoughts
• Contribution
• Advice
• Consultation
• Consult
• Discuss
• Comment
• Analyze
• Guidance
• Thoughts
• Recommendation
• Suggestion
• Tip
• Guide
• Inform
• Educate
• Observation
• Summarize
• Report
• Express
• Speak up

Terms and Phrases Related to 'Input'

• Input/output
• Audio input
• Video input
• Valuable input
• Valued input
• Helpful input
• Professional input
• Output
• Putoff
• Offput
• Required input

How to Use 'Input'

You know that 'input' is the correct spelling, and the term can be a noun or verb. But how do you use it?

• Use 'input' when you are asking someone to contribute their opinions.

For example, I might say:

Please be sure to submit your course evaluations before you leave class today. The input you submit helps us gauge student satisfaction and plan course updates.

• Use 'input' when talking about data you or someone else enters.

For example, you could tell me:

You must input your mileage and other automotive expenses on your expense report and submit it by 5 p.m. today for reimbursement.  

• Use 'input' to describe the action of entering data or information.

For example, you might see a message that says:

To set up your account, input your information on the user application page and submit copies of your valid government ID and W9. If your supporting documents match your input data, our customer care team will give you access within 24 to 48 hours. You will receive an email notifying you when the process is complete. 

More Ways to

• Use 'input' when referencing a specific medium or type of advice contributed.

For example, you could say something like:

Your expert advice is the intellectual input we need to make this project successful. 

• Use 'input' to reference the quantity or volume of a raw manufacturing material or resource you are putting in a machine.

For example, if you work at a manufacturing site, you may hear your supervisor say:

You may need to increase the water input if the mixture is too cakey or thick. 

• Use 'input' to describe putting something into a machine or computer.

For example, when reading operating instructions, you may see a statement like:

Before feeding in the metal tubing, you must input the powder and liquid ingredients. 

• Use 'input' to reference data you enter into fields.

For example, you may see:

Inputs you enter on the signup page when you join will carry over to your profile. So, be sure to fill out the information accordingly.

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Input'

Knowing how to use commonly misused or misspelled words is helpful, but if you want to gain confidence in your written and verbal English skills, you must know how to pronounce words correctly.

So, here is a quick pronunciation guide: 

• Pronounce 'input' using this phonetic spelling:

in-put

Sample Sentences Using 'Input'

You likely understand how to use 'input' by now. But before you go, read these sample sentences to familiarize yourself with various ways to use the term in conversations or written communications.

• Thanks for the information. I truly appreciate your honesty. Your response was the most constructive and informative input we received.
• Once you input your information, you do not have to do it again. Last year's data will auto-populate onto this year's return.
• Be mindful of the information you input on sites with expired SSLs because they are more susceptible to cyberattacks.
• Manufacturers must know input and output speeds to calculate accurate cost and job completion projections.
• I hope my input did not offend you. However, I have been in your shoes and am trying to tell you what helped me.
• I'm baffled; when you input indigo and green dyes, the finished product is a bluish-green color.
• Our teacher gave us input on our rough drafts yesterday. So, I need to complete my final draft this weekend.
• If you do not have something helpful to add, please keep your input to yourself.
• I composed an email to the organization with my opinions on the latest implementation. I did not hear back for more than six months. Finally, when I had given up on a reply, I received an email from the vice president with a coupon code for a gift and a note thanking me for the input I provided.
• You're welcome to provide your input directly to the creators. Or, if you prefer, you can send it to me, and I will forward it to the correct party.
• Your input complements the data we received from the marketing research specialist.
• Please enter the latest figures from the accounts receivable department and keep me posted on any additional input you receive.

Recap: Which is Correct, 'Input' or 'Imput?'

We covered a ton of information. So, here is a recap of what we learned: 

• 'Input' is the accurate spelling of the term, which means information given, shared, or entered.
• 'Imput' is a spelling error; therefore, you should never use it. 

The correct version should be simple to remember if you think of the term's definition, which means to put in, add, or contribute thoughts, ideas, or expertise. However, if you need to review the information in the future, you can always come back to this page.

You can also check out dozens of confusing word guides here to learn the correct spellings and usages of commonly mistaken and misused terms and phrases.