There are certain nouns that can be both countable and uncountable. One example of this is with “input.” It comes up in a few different contexts, and the context will determine whether it has a suitable plural form or not. This article will help you understand it all.
Input or Inputs – What Is the Plural of “Input”?
“Input” and “inputs” are both the plural form of “input.” You should use “input” as the plural form when “input” is an uncountable noun (meaning that the singular and plural forms are identical). “Inputs” is the plural form when it is countable (meaning multiple entities are identifiable).
If you’re confused, perhaps these examples will help to clear some things up:
- I’m going to need all of their input to get to the bottom of this.
- The computer inputs are not showing the desired results.
As an uncountable noun, “input” can refer to a collective sharing of information. If multiple people are giving you advice or one person is giving you multiple ideas, you will always use “input” to establish the plural form.
When “input” is countable, it is often used in a computing context. It refers to requirements in software and computing systems (often keyboard or button inputs). Since multiple instances can occur, “inputs” has an “-s” to show that it’s plural.
When Should I Use “Input”?
“Input” should not have the standard “-s” at the end when it’s an uncountable noun. This is used when you are referring to multiple people giving you guidance or help (or one person giving you lots of information at once). All of these can be grouped into a singular entity.
- I’m going to need a lot of input into this situation. I don’t think I have the ability to solve all of this myself.
- Would you say their input is worth listening to? I’m worried that they don’t have my best interests at heart.
- What is going on with all of their input? Why hasn’t any of it worked for me yet? I want to get to the bottom of this.
- Your input is very valuable, but I just don’t see a point to it. I’ll have to go elsewhere to learn more about it.
- She gave me a lot of input. It all helped me to understand a great deal about it. I’m looking forward to putting it all together.
- What is all this input going to do for the situation? Do you know what’s even going on here?
- I thought my input would be more useful to you. I’m sorry that I managed to waste your time.
When Should I Use “Inputs”?
You should use “inputs” when “input” is a countable noun in the plural form. This is usually identified by multiple different instances being present. It usually refers to the physical pressing of a button or putting things into a computer system to change how something works.
- What are all of these inputs going to help me with? I’m not sure if I’ve managed to press them all in the right order.
- The inputs have been on the bottom of your screen this whole time. You should pay closer attention to them going forward.
- If you need to know the correct order of inputs, you can speak to Dave. He has all the information you’re going to need.
- The inputs aren’t important here. I think you should look into what needs to be done to make this system work better.
- The button inputs have been disordered. I’m not sure if they’re even correctly attributed to this program anymore.
- What’s the point in having multiple inputs to do the same task? It seems like a bit of a redundancy to me.
- I’m not going to share all the inputs with you. I want you to be able to learn about them for yourself.
Is “Input” a Countable Noun?
“Input” is both a countable and an uncountable noun. As a countable noun, you can place an “-s” at the end of the word to show the plural form. This works when many entities can be used to refer to what you might put into a computer system.
Only the countable noun works when you are referring to multiple instances:
- Correct: You’re going to need to press all of these inputs.
- Incorrect: These button input need to be pressed.
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