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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

Plural of input

I appreciate help on this question about the final letter in the sentence "a report will be created with each member giving his or her input (s)". I seem to run into this question all the time Emotion: crying Is it correct to say "inputs" to refer to numerous ideas that have been contributed? Is it absolutely grammatically wrong? Is it wrong but widely used in that way? Is it correct both ways? Does it depend on the circumstances?

Thanks a lot.
  

Top answer

According to Webster's Collegiate, 'input' has been in the language at least since 1888, and is used as both a countable and an uncountable noun. ' would require the singular in any case: 'his or her input/wristwatch/head'.

— Mister Micawber

  • According to Webster's Collegiate, 'input' has been in the language at least since 1888, and is used as both a countable and an uncountable noun.
  • ' would require the singular in any case: 'his or her input/wristwatch/head'.
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4 Answers
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According to Webster's Collegiate, 'input' has been in the language at least since 1888, and is used as both a countable and an uncountable noun.

In your sentence, '..each member giving his or her...' would require the singular in any case: 'his or her input/wristwatch/head'.
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I never use the word "inputs". I've never heard of it. I certainly wouldn't say it is widely used. It may be technically correct, but it's rather strange sounding (to me anyway!).

I don't think you could go wrong by always using "input" as an uncountable.
If you must have a plural, change the word, e.g., giving his ideas.

Maybe others more familiar with "inputs" will a
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According to a dictionary, the form 'inputs' is used in Computer Science, and possibly other sciences as well. I seem to have remember reading somewhere the word 'inputs' in a science related book.
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I haven't heard about "inputs" as well; it could be a "first language influence" thing...

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