In our increasingly digital world, knowing how to correctly use technology-related vocabulary is essential. The verb “input” is especially significant in fields like computing, business, education, and research. Using its past tense forms accurately is crucial for clear, professional communication in both written and spoken English.
Unlike many traditional verbs, “input” is a relatively modern addition to English, primarily used since the rise of technology. This modernity brings some grammatical uncertainty, especially regarding its past tense. Should we say “I input the data” or “I inputted the data”? Both forms exist, but their usage varies by dialect, context, and style, which often confuses learners and professionals alike.
This comprehensive guide will demystify the past tense of “input”, explain the differences and nuances between “input” and “inputted”, and show you how to use each form confidently. It is tailored for ESL students, teachers, editors, IT and business professionals, and anyone who values grammatical precision in contemporary English.
Table of Contents
- 3. Definition Section
- 4. Structural Breakdown
- 5. Types or Categories
- 6. Examples Section
- 7. Usage Rules
- 8. Common Mistakes
- 9. Practice Exercises
- 10. Advanced Topics
- 11. FAQ Section
- 12. Conclusion
3. Definition Section
3.1. What Does ‘Input’ Mean?
“Input” functions as both a noun and a verb:
- Noun: Information, data, advice, or resources entered into a system or process.
Example: “We need more input from the team.” - Verb: The act of entering or supplying data or information.
Example: “Please input your password.”
This article focuses exclusively on the verb form—how to properly express actions related to entering data, especially in the past tense.
3.2. Grammatical Classification of ‘Input’
Input is a somewhat unique verb in English grammar:
- Verb Type: It behaves as a regular/irregular hybrid, accepting both “input” and “inputted” in the past tense.
- Verb Group: It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (e.g., data, information).
- Usage: Predominantly found in technical, business, and academic English.
3.3. Function of ‘Input’ in Sentences
As a verb, “input” indicates the action of entering, supplying, or feeding data or information into a system, device, or process. It is always followed by an object representing the data or information.
Present tense examples:
- “They input the figures daily.”
- “Please input your email address.”
- “I input the responses into the database.”
- “Our system automatically inputs the timestamps.”
- “She inputs all customer details manually.”
| Base Form | Simple Past | Past Participle | Present Participle / Gerund |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | input / inputted | input / inputted | inputting |
3.4. Past Tense of ‘Input’: An Overview
The verb “input” accepts two legitimate past tense forms:
- “input” (irregular, like “cut” or “put”)
- “inputted” (regular, adding “-ed”)
Both forms are correct, but their use depends on context, region, and formality, which we will explore in detail.
4. Structural Breakdown
4.1. How Regular and Irregular Verbs Form Their Past Tense
Regular verbs typically form the past tense by adding -ed to the base (e.g., “work” → “worked”).
Irregular verbs have unique forms that don’t follow this rule (e.g., “cut” → “cut”, “go” → “went”).
Interestingly, “input” can be treated as both:
- Irregular: “Yesterday, I input the data.”
- Regular: “Yesterday, I inputted the data.”
Both are accepted, making “input” a rare hybrid verb.
4.2. Forms of ‘Input’
- Present tense: input
- Simple past tense: input / inputted
- Past participle: input / inputted
- Present participle: inputting
4.3. Verb Conjugation Table
| Tense | Singular Example | Plural Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I/You/We/They input He/She/It inputs |
We input |
| Present Continuous | I am inputting | They are inputting |
| Simple Past | I input / inputted | They input / inputted |
| Past Continuous | I was inputting | We were inputting |
| Present Perfect | I have input / inputted | They have input / inputted |
| Past Perfect | I had input / inputted | They had input / inputted |
| Future Simple | I will input | They will input |
| Future Continuous | I will be inputting | They will be inputting |
| Future Perfect | I will have input / inputted | They will have input / inputted |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been inputting | They have been inputting |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been inputting | They had been inputting |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been inputting | They will have been inputting |
4.4. Pronunciation Differences
- “input”: /ˈɪnpʊt/ — 2 syllables, stress on the first syllable
- “inputted”: /ˈɪnpʊtɪd/ — 3 syllables, stress on the first syllable
The main difference is the added syllable -ɪd in “inputted”.
4.5. Spelling Considerations
When forming the regular past tense “inputted”, we double the t before adding -ed, following the rule for words ending in a stressed consonant-vowel-consonant pattern (CVC):
- “input” → “inputted”
- Compare: “submit” → “submitted”, “permit” → “permitted”
This doubling helps maintain the pronunciation and is standard in English spelling conventions.
5. Types or Categories
5.1. Simple Past Tense Forms
Both past tense forms are acceptable in simple past sentences:
- Using “input”: “Yesterday, I input the data.”
- Using “inputted”: “Yesterday, I inputted the data.”
Both convey the same meaning.
5.2. Past Participle Forms
When used with perfect tenses, either form is also valid:
- “I have input all the necessary details.”
- “I have inputted all the necessary details.”
5.3. Dialectal and Stylistic Preferences
- American English: Strong preference for “input” as past tense and past participle.
- British English: Both “input” and “inputted” widely accepted.
- Formal writing: Tends to favor “input” for conciseness.
- Informal speech: Both forms are common.
| Dialect / Context | Preferred Past Tense | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American English | input | More common in technology and business writing |
| British English | input / inputted | Both used interchangeably |
| Formal Style | input | Concise, modern feel |
| Informal Conversation | inputted | Sounds more natural to some speakers |
5.4. Summary Table of Acceptable Forms
| Audience / Context | Recommended Form | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Academic/Technical Writing (US) | input | Preferred for clarity |
| Academic/Technical Writing (UK) | input or inputted | Either is acceptable |
| Business Reports | input | Concise style favored |
| Casual Conversation | inputted | Acceptable, sounds more natural |
| Formal Letters | input | More polished tone |
6. Examples Section
6.1. Basic Past Tense Examples (Using “input”)
- “Yesterday, I input all the sales data.”
- “She input the passwords incorrectly.”
- “They input the survey responses last week.”
- “We input the figures before the meeting.”
- “He input the code just before the deadline.”
6.1. Basic Past Tense Examples (Using “inputted”)
- “Yesterday, I inputted all the sales data.”
- “She inputted the passwords incorrectly.”
- “They inputted the survey responses last week.”
- “We inputted the figures before the meeting.”
- “He inputted the code just before the deadline.”
6.2. Perfect Tense Examples (Using “have/has input”)
- “I have input the new employee information.”
- “She has input the updated data.”
- “They have input all the entries.”
- “We have input the client details.”
- “He has input the transaction records.”
6.2. Perfect Tense Examples (Using “have/has inputted”)
- “I have inputted the new employee information.”
- “She has inputted the updated data.”
- “They have inputted all the entries.”
- “We have inputted the client details.”
- “He has inputted the transaction records.”
6.3. Negative Forms
- “I didn’t input the data yesterday.”
- “She hasn’t inputted the figures yet.”
- “They didn’t input all the survey responses.”
- “We haven’t inputted the new information.”
- “He didn’t input his credentials correctly.”
6.4. Questions with Past Tense
- “Did you input the password?”
- “Have you inputted all the information?”
- “Did they input the sales data on time?”
- “Have we inputted the correct figures?”
- “Did she input her login details?”
6.5. Contextual Usage in Technology
- “The user inputted their credentials into the system.”
- “The operator input the new parameters.”
- “The software automatically input the date and time.”
- “They inputted the transaction details manually.”
- “He input the code to unlock the device.”
6.6. Formal vs. Informal Style Examples
- Formal: “The technician input the data promptly.”
- Informal: “I inputted everything last night.”
- Formal: “All parameters were input correctly.”
- Informal: “She inputted her notes into the app.”
- Formal: “The analyst has input the figures.”
- Informal: “They inputted the scores yesterday.”
6.7. Example Tables
| Tense | “input” | “inputted” |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Past | “I input the data.” | “I inputted the data.” |
| Simple Past | “They input the figures.” | “They inputted the figures.” |
| Present Perfect | “She has input the information.” | “She has inputted the information.” |
| Present Perfect | “We have input all entries.” | “We have inputted all entries.” |
| Negative Past | “He did not input the code.” | “He did not input the code.” |
| Negative Perfect | “They haven’t input the results.” | “They haven’t inputted the results.” |
| Question Past | “Did you input the password?” | “Did you input the password?” |
| Question Perfect | “Have you input the data?” | “Have you inputted the data?” |
| Technology Context | “The operator input the settings.” | “The operator inputted the settings.” |
| Business Report | “We input all financial details.” | “We inputted all financial details.” |
| Context | With “input” | With “inputted” |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Work | “I input the numbers yesterday.” | “I inputted the numbers yesterday.” |
| Technical | “She input the command.” | “She inputted the command.” |
| Academic | “They have input the results.” | “They have inputted the results.” |
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Negative Simple Past | “She didn’t input the data.” |
| Negative Present Perfect | “They haven’t inputted the details yet.” |
| Question Simple Past | “Did you input the figures?” |
| Question Present Perfect | “Have you inputted all the responses?” |
| Negative Present Perfect | “I haven’t input the scores.” |
Total examples: Over 50, covering various contexts and usages.
7. Usage Rules
7.1. When to Use “Input” as Past Tense
- Widely accepted in both American and British English.
- Preferred in technical writing for conciseness and clarity.
- Considered more modern and streamlined.
- Default choice in most professional documents.
7.2. When to Use “Inputted”
- More common in British English, but acceptable elsewhere.
- Often used in casual speech or less formal writing.
- Follows the typical regular verb pattern, making it feel more natural to some speakers.
7.3. Consistency in Usage
Rule: Choose one form—either “input” or “inputted”—and use it consistently within each document or context to avoid confusion.
Check your organization’s or publisher’s style guide:
- APA, Chicago, and many corporate styles prefer “input”.
- Some allow both, but favor consistency.
7.4. Common Exceptions and Special Cases
- When “input” is a noun, do not confuse it with the verb:
Incorrect: “I made an inputted.”
Correct: “I made an input.” - In some contexts, “inputted” may sound awkward, especially in concise technical writing.
- If unsure, “input” is the safer, more universally accepted choice.
7.5. Summary Table of Usage Rules
| Context | Recommended Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Documentation | input | Default, concise |
| Business Reports | input | Preferred |
| Emails, Informal Notes | input or inputted | Both fine |
| Academic Papers (US) | input | Preferred |
| Academic Papers (UK) | input or inputted | Both accepted |
| Speech | inputted | Sounds more natural for some |
8. Common Mistakes
8.1. Mixing Forms in the Same Document
Incorrect: “Yesterday, I inputted some data, and then I input more later.”
Correct: “Yesterday, I inputted some data, and then I inputted more later.” (or “input” both times)
8.2. Incorrect Past Tense Forms
Wrong: “inputed”, “inputtinged”, “inputteded”
Correct: “input”, “inputted”, “inputting”
8.3. Confusing Noun and Verb Forms
Incorrect: “I made an inputted yesterday.”
Correct: “I inputted data yesterday.” or “I made an input yesterday.”
8.4. Overcorrecting or Hypercorrection
Sometimes writers think adding “-ed” is always necessary in the past tense, leading to awkward forms:
- Incorrect (hypercorrection): “I inputted the data” (in a context where “input” is more natural, such as technical writing).
- Preferred: “I input the data.”
8.5. Correct vs. Incorrect Examples Table
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| “I inputed the values.” | “I inputted the values.” or “I input the values.” |
| “She has inputteded the data.” | “She has inputted the data.” |
| “They inputing the figures.” | “They are inputting the figures.” |
| “I made an inputted.” | “I made an input.” |
| “He inputted some, then input others.” | “He inputted some, then inputted others.” (consistent) |
9. Practice Exercises
9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank
Choose “input” or “inputted” to complete each sentence:
- Yesterday, I ______ all the customer details.
- She has ______ the new data already.
- They haven’t ______ the figures yet.
- We ______ the passwords incorrectly last week.
- He ______ the transaction records this morning.
- Have you ______ all the survey responses?
- The technician ______ the settings before testing.
- I ______ the phone numbers into the database.
- They ______ the wrong address by mistake.
- She has not ______ her login credentials yet.
9.2. Identify Correct Usage
Choose the sentence that is correct:
- a) “I inputted the data yesterday.”
b) “I inputed the data yesterday.” - a) “She has inputted the figures.”
b) “She has inputing the figures.” - a) “They input the survey responses.”
b) “They inputteded the survey responses.” - a) “We input the passwords last week.”
b) “We inputting the passwords last week.” - a) “He didn’t input the address.”
b) “He didn’t inputted the address.” - a) “Have you inputted the results?”
b) “Have you inputing the results?” - a) “She input the command correctly.”
b) “She inputteded the command correctly.” - a) “I have input all the details.”
b) “I have inputing all the details.” - a) “They input the transaction data.”
b) “They inputed the transaction data.” - a) “We inputted the new parameters.”
b) “We inputteded the new parameters.”
9.3. Error Correction
Find and fix the errors:
- “Yesterday, I inputed the figures.”
- “She has inputteded the data.”
- “They inputing the survey responses.”
- “He inputted some data, then input others.”
- “Have you inputed the information?”
- “We inputteded the wrong details.”
- “She hasn’t inputing the address yet.”
- “I inputteded everything last night.”
- “They inputing their credentials now.”
- “He has inputed all the client data.”
9.4. Sentence Construction
Write 5 sentences using the past tense of “input” in various contexts (business, technology, personal tasks, etc.).
9.5. Matching Exercise
| Present Tense Sentence | Match to Correct Past Tense |
|---|---|
| a) “I input the data daily.” | 1) “I inputted the data yesterday.” |
| b) “She inputs the figures each week.” | 2) “She input the figures last week.” |
| c) “They input the survey responses.” | 3) “They inputted the survey responses on Monday.” |
| d) “We input the passwords regularly.” | 4) “We input the passwords last Friday.” |
| e) “He inputs the transaction records.” | 5) “He inputted the transaction records yesterday.” |
9.6. Answer Key
Exercise 9.1:
1) inputted/input
2) inputted/input
3) inputted/input
4) inputted/input
5) inputted/input
6) inputted/input
7) inputted/input
8) inputted/input
9) inputted/input
10) inputted/input
*Both forms are correct; maintain consistency.*
Exercise 9.2:
1) a
2) a
3) a
4) a
5) a
6) a
7) a
8) a
9) a
10) a
Exercise 9.3:
1) “Yesterday, I inputted (or input) the figures.”
2) “She has inputted the data.”
3) “They are inputting the survey responses.”
4) “He inputted some data, then inputted others.”
5) “Have you inputted (or input) the information?”
6) “We inputted (or input) the wrong details.”
7) “She hasn’t inputted (or input) the address yet.”
8) “I inputted (or input) everything last night.”
9) “They are inputting their credentials now.”
10) “He has inputted (or input) all the client data.”
Exercise 9.5:
a – 1
b – 2
c – 3
d – 4
e – 5
10. Advanced Topics
10.1. Historical Development of ‘Input’ as a Verb
“Input” originated as a noun in the early 20th century, describing data or information fed into a system. With the rise of computers, it was verbified around the 1940s–1960s, following patterns similar to other technology terms (e.g., download, email).
10.2. Lexicalization and Acceptance in Dictionaries
Major dictionaries like Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster list both “input” and “inputted” as past tense and past participle forms, reflecting widespread acceptance.
Over time, prescriptive norms have become more flexible with technology-driven neologisms.
10.3. Corpus Analysis of Usage Frequency
- COCA (Corpus of Contemporary American English): favors “input” as past tense.
- BNC (British National Corpus): shows both forms, with a slight edge to “input”.
- Google Ngram Viewer: “input” is significantly more common than “inputted” since 1980, but “inputted” persists.
Genre analysis reveals “input” dominates technical writing, while “inputted” appears more in informal or conversational settings.
10.4. Comparison with Similar Verbs (e.g., ‘output’, ‘broadcast’)
Other technology-related verbs show similar hybridization:
| Verb | Simple Past | Past Participle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | input / inputted | input / inputted | Both accepted |
| output | output / outputted | output / outputted | Both used, “output” more common |
| broadcast | broadcast / broadcasted | broadcast / broadcasted | “broadcast” preferred |
| forecast | forecast / forecasted | forecast / forecasted | “forecast” common, “forecasted” formal |
| cost | cost | cost | Irregular only |
| fit | fit / fitted | fit / fitted | Varies by dialect |
10.5. Style Guide Recommendations
- APA: Recommends “input” for consistency.
- MLA: Accepts both forms, prefers consistency within a document.
- Chicago Manual of Style: Favors “input” for technical and business writing.
- Corporate/Technical Style Guides: Generally prescribe “input”.
11. FAQ Section
- What is the correct past tense of “input”?
Both “input” and “inputted” are accepted as past tense forms. - Is “inputted” a real word?
Yes, “inputted” is a legitimate regular past tense of “input”, found in major dictionaries. - Which is more common: “input” or “inputted”?
“Input” is more common, especially in American English and formal writing. - Can I use both “input” and “inputted” interchangeably?
Technically yes, but be consistent within the same document or context. - Does American English prefer one form over the other?
Yes, American English prefers “input”. - How do I conjugate “input” in perfect tenses?
Use either “have input” or “have inputted”. Both are acceptable. - Why do some style guides prefer “input” over “inputted”?
Because “input” is more concise and aligns with similar irregular verbs. - Is “inputted” considered informal or incorrect?
No, it’s not incorrect and is accepted in both formal and informal contexts, though less common in technical writing. - What are some example sentences using each form?
“I input the figures yesterday.” / “I inputted the figures yesterday.” - What is the past participle of “input”?
Both “input” and “inputted” can serve as the past participle. - Are there other verbs like “input” with two past tense forms?
Yes—examples include “broadcast/broadcasted”, “forecast/forecasted”, “output/outputted”. - How do I teach the past tense of “input” to ESL students?
Explain that both forms exist, highlight regional preferences, encourage consistency, and provide plenty of examples and exercises (like those in this article).
12. Conclusion
In summary, the verb “input” offers two grammatically correct past tense forms: “input” and “inputted”. This duality stems from its status as a modern, technology-driven term that blends regular and irregular verb patterns.
While “input” is generally preferred—especially in American English and formal, technical contexts—“inputted” remains valid, particularly in British English and informal speech. The key is to understand these nuances and to maintain consistency in your choice throughout any document.
Mastering such modern verb forms enhances your fluency and ensures clear, precise communication in professional, academic, and everyday settings. To further develop your command of these nuances, continue practicing, consult style guides when in doubt, and stay attentive to contemporary language trends.
With this comprehensive guide, you can confidently input or inputted your knowledge into practice!