Input is the correct spelling. Imput is a common misspelling of the word input and is not the standard spelling in English.
The confusion is easy to understand because input can sound slightly like “imput” when spoken quickly. But when you write the word, keep the n: input.
The word input has several useful meanings. It can refer to information entered into a computer, an opinion or suggestion given to a discussion, or something added to a process or system. It can also work as both a noun and a verb.
Quick Answer:
Input is the correct spelling. Imput is always a misspelling and should never be used in any context — remember it as IN + PUT = INPUT.
Input vs Imput: What Is the Difference?
| Word | Correct? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Input | Yes | Information, ideas, data, or something put into a system or process |
| Imput | No | A common misspelling of input |
Input is the word you should use in every standard English context.
Examples:
- Please enter your input in the form.
- We need your input before making a decision.
- The computer received the input from the keyboard.
- She input the data into the system.
Do not write:
- Please enter your imput.
- We need your imput.
- She imput the data.
The correct spelling is always input.
What Does Input Mean?
Input generally means something that is put into a system, process, organization, or discussion.
The meaning changes slightly depending on the context.
Input as Information or Data
In computing, input means information entered into a computer or electronic system.
For example:
Enter your name as the input.
A keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, and touchscreen can all provide information to a computer, making them examples of input devices.
Input as an Opinion or Contribution
When someone asks for your input, they usually want your opinion, advice, ideas, or feedback.
We need your input on the new design.
Here, input does not mean computer data. It means your contribution to the discussion or decision.
Input as Something Added to a Process
Input can also mean a resource or material added to a system.
Labor and raw materials are important inputs in manufacturing.
This broader meaning is also recognized in major dictionaries. Merriam-Webster defines input to include advice, opinions, information, energy, materials, and the act or process of putting something in.
What Does Imput Mean?
“Imput” is a misspelling of “input.”
If you see imput in an email, message, document, or online post, the writer almost certainly means input.
For example:
❌ Please send me your imput.
✅ Please send me your input.
The spelling mistake often happens because the word can sound different in fast speech. However, pronunciation does not change the standard written form.
A simple way to remember it is:
IN + PUT = INPUT
You put something in, so the spelling keeps in.
Is Imput a Word?
In standard modern English, imput is not the correct spelling of the word people usually mean when they write “input.”
If you mean information, feedback, data, or a contribution, write input.
Do not treat imput as an accepted US or UK spelling. The standard word is input.
There is, however, a separate English word that can cause another kind of confusion: impute.
Input vs Impute
Input and impute have different meanings.
Input means to add information, an idea, or an opinion.
I would like your input on this proposal.
Impute means to blame something on a person or cause.
The report imputed the error to poor planning.
In simple terms:
- input = add or provide
- impute = blame or attribute
So, use input when you mean giving information or an opinion. Use impute when you mean saying that someone or something is responsible for an action or result.
Input Definition
A simple definition of input is:
Input is something put into a system, process, machine, or discussion.
Depending on context, it can mean information, data, advice, ideas, effort, energy, or another contribution. Cambridge also defines input as information, money, or energy put into a system and as help, ideas, or knowledge given to a project or organization.
As a verb, input means to enter information into a computer or electronic system.
Input as a Noun
As a noun, input can refer to something provided or added.
Examples
- Your input was helpful.
- We need more input from the design team.
- The computer receives input from several devices.
- The factory uses several raw materials as inputs.
The plural form is inputs.
The system accepts multiple inputs.
Input as a Verb
As a verb, input means to enter information into a computer or system.
Examples:
- Please input your email address.
- I input the figures into the spreadsheet.
- She inputted the data yesterday.
- The employee is inputting the information now.
Cambridge lists input and inputted as past-tense and past-participle forms, while inputting is the present participle.
Inputted or Input: Which Is Correct?
Both input and inputted are accepted past-tense forms of the verb.
I input the data yesterday.
I inputted the data yesterday.
Input is concise and common in technical contexts, while inputted is also a recognized form. Cambridge explicitly lists both forms, so it is incorrect to claim that inputted is always wrong.
One spelling you should avoid is:
❌ imputted
The correct forms are input and inputted, not imput or imputted.
Inputting: Is It Correct?
Yes. Inputting is the present participle of input.
She is inputting the customer information.
We are inputting the numbers into the system.
The spelling keeps the original input form.
What Does “Your Input” Mean?
When someone asks for your input, they are asking for your opinion, advice, ideas, or contribution.
For example:
What is your input on this project?
This means:
What do you think about this project?
Similarly:
We would appreciate your input.
means that someone wants your thoughts, suggestions, or feedback.
This use is common in workplaces, meetings, academic discussions, and everyday conversations.
Input Synonyms
The best synonym for input depends on what you mean.
| Context | Possible synonym |
|---|---|
| Opinion | view, opinion, perspective |
| Advice | advice, guidance |
| Contribution | contribution, participation |
| Feedback | feedback, comments |
| Information | information, data |
| Computer entry | entry, data |
| Something added to a process | resource, contribution |
For example:
We need your input.
could become:
We need your opinion.
But these words are not always interchangeable. Input is broader because it can refer to both human contributions and information entered into a system.
Input in a Sentence
Here are natural examples of input in different contexts:
- I appreciate your input on this issue.
- Please input your password.
- The keyboard provides input to the computer.
- We need more input from our customers.
- Her input helped improve the project.
- The system rejected the input.
- The team collected several inputs before making a decision.
These examples show why the meaning of input depends on context.
What Is an Input Device?
An input device is hardware used to send information or commands to a computer or another electronic system.
Common input devices include:
- Keyboard — enters letters, numbers, and commands
- Mouse — provides pointing and selection input
- Microphone — sends audio input
- Scanner — converts physical documents or images into digital input
- Touchscreen — receives touch commands
- Webcam — captures visual input
Cambridge specifically uses input device for a device or connection through which information is carried to a machine.
What Are Five Examples of Input?
Five common examples of computer input are:
- Typing text with a keyboard
- Clicking with a mouse
- Speaking into a microphone
- Scanning a document
- Touching a touchscreen
In each case, information or a command is being sent into the system.
How Do You Pronounce Input?
Input is pronounced with two syllables. Major dictionaries give the pronunciation approximately as /ˈɪn.pʊt/ in both British and American English.
The spelling remains input, even when casual speech makes the middle consonants less distinct.
This is one reason some people mistakenly write imput. The sound they perceive can influence the spelling, but the standard written form is still input.
Why Do People Write Imput Instead of Input?
The most common reason is sound-based spelling.
When people hear or say a word quickly, they may not clearly distinguish every consonant. Because input contains n immediately before p, the transition between the sounds can be less obvious in rapid speech.
That can lead someone to write imput, even though they have heard and used the correct word many times.
The solution is simple: remember the two parts:
IN + PUT = INPUT
Once you connect the spelling with in + put, the incorrect imput becomes easier to catch.
Common Input vs Imput Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Please give me your imput. | Please give me your input. |
| I need your imput on this idea. | I need your input on this idea. |
| Enter the imput into the system. | Enter the input into the system. |
| She imputted the information. | She inputted the information. |
| We collected several imputs. | We collected several inputs. |
The pattern is easy to remember: input → inputs → inputting → inputted.
None of these forms changes the n to m.
A Quick Trick to Remember Input
Think of the word as two familiar parts:
IN + PUT = INPUT
If something is put in, it becomes input.
You can also remember its opposite:
INPUT ↔ OUTPUT
Both words describe what goes into and comes out of a system.
FAQs
1. What does your input mean?
Your input means your opinion, advice, ideas, feedback, or contribution to a discussion or project.
2. What does imput mean?
Imput is a common misspelling of input. If you mean information, feedback, or data that is put into something, use input.
3. Which is correct, imput or input?
Input is correct. Imput is not the standard spelling.
4. Is “input” a word?
Yes. Input is a standard English word used as both a noun and a verb.
5. What is an example of input?
A keyboard entry, a voice command, computer data, or someone’s opinion can all be examples of input.
6. What’s a better word for input?
Depending on the context, alternatives include feedback, opinion, advice, contribution, information, data, and suggestion.
7. What does it mean to give someone input?
It means to give someone your opinion, advice, ideas, or feedback about something.
8. How do I use input in a sentence?
You can say: “We need your input before we make a final decision.”
9. What is the use of input?
Input describes something provided to a system, process, machine, or discussion, including data, information, energy, opinions, or ideas.
10. What are five inputs?
Five common computer inputs are keyboard typing, mouse clicks, microphone audio, scanned documents, and touchscreen commands.
11. What does “imputing” mean?
Imputing is not the standard form of inputting. If you mean entering data, use inputting; if you mean attributing something to someone, imputing comes from the separate verb impute.
12. How do you say input?
Input is pronounced with two syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable.
Final Answer
Input is the correct spelling. Imput is a misspelling.
Use input when you mean information, data, advice, feedback, an opinion, or something put into a system. It can be a noun or a verb, and its accepted forms include inputs, inputting, and inputted.
If you ever hesitate between imput and input, remember:
IN + PUT = INPUT.
That one small spelling trick is enough to keep the mistake out of your writing.
