What is input? Pronunciation and usage in English

input means . Learn how to pronounce and use input through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of input

inputnoun/verb

/ˈɪnpʊt//ˈɪnpʊt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "input" in English. Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few different ways to say it:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈɪn.pʊt (stress is on the first syllable)
    • ˈɪn - Sounds like "in" as in "in a box"
    • pʊt - Sounds like "put" as in "put the book on the shelf." The "oo" sound is short and slightly rounded.

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • ɪn.pʊt (similar to American, but with a slightly different vowel sound)
    • ɪn - Similar to American, but the "i" is slightly shorter and less open.
    • pʊt - Also similar to American, but the "u" sound is a bit more clipped.

Here’s a breakdown of the sounds to help you:

  • 'i': Like the "i" in "bit"
  • 'p': As in "pen"
  • 'u': As in "put" (short, rounded 'oo' sound)
  • 't': As in "top"

Resources to help you hear the pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of English are you primarily interested in (American or British)?

Usage and examples with the word input in English

Let's break down how to use the word "input" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Things You Provide):

  • Definition: This is the most common usage. "Input" refers to information or data you give to a system, device, or person. Think of it as what goes in.

  • Examples:

    • "Please enter your username and password." (Entering information into a system)
    • "The computer needs data as input to process the request." (Data being fed to the computer)
    • "The researcher conducted a survey to gather qualitative input for her study." (Ideas, opinions, feedback)
    • "The keyboard is the primary input device for this computer." (The way you give input to the computer)
    • “Her input on the project was invaluable.” (Her suggestions and ideas were helpful.)

2. As a Noun (A Kind of Device):

  • Definition: It can specifically refer to a device you use to provide data to a system.

  • Examples:

    • “The mouse is a common input device.” (Something you use to give instructions)
    • “A microphone is used as an input for recording audio.”

3. As a Verb (To Provide):

  • Definition: This is when you give information or data into something.

  • Examples:

    • "I need to input these numbers into the spreadsheet." (To enter the numbers)
    • "The student will input their answers to the quiz." (To type their answers)
    • "The system will automatically input the data.” (The system will take in the data.)
    • “Please input your email address.” (Give your email address)

4. In Computer Science & Programming (More Technical):

  • Definition: Here, "input" is more precisely about the data that enters a program or system. It's like the starting point.
  • Examples:
    • "The program takes numerical input."
    • "The function expects a string input." (a string of text)

Key Differences and How to Choose the Right Usage:

Category Form Meaning Example
Noun (General) Input Information/data you give to something "Her input was helpful."
Noun (Device) Input A device for giving information "The keyboard is an input device."
Verb Input To provide information/data "I input the data into the system."

Tips for Using "Input" Correctly:

  • Think about what's being given to something. That's the core of the word.
  • Context is crucial. The way "input" is used often depends on the situation.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how "input" is used in a specific context (e.g., business, gaming, science)?
  • Explain how "input" relates to other words like "output"?
  • Provide some practice sentences for you to try?

Synonyms for the word input

Practice with vocabulary input

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The software requires consistent user _________ to function correctly, such as mouse clicks and keyboard strokes.
  2. We welcome your valuable _________ on the new marketing strategy to help us refine it.
  3. Before the meeting, please ensure all participants have received the necessary _________ materials.
  4. The manufacturing process was optimized to increase the daily _________ of finished goods.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms can refer to the raw data or information fed into a system for processing? a) Throughput b) Output c) Input d) Result

  2. What kind of contribution from stakeholders is crucial for shaping a project's direction? (Select all that apply) a) Resistance b) Input c) Feedback d) Overview

  3. Before finalizing the budget, the finance department requires detailed _________ from each division regarding their anticipated expenses and resource needs. a) input b) allocation c) data d) information

  4. The new manufacturing plant significantly increased its daily _________ of consumer goods. a) input b) intake c) throughput d) output

  5. To accurately diagnose the issue, the technician needed to carefully _________ the error messages displayed on the screen. (Select all that apply) a) interpret b) analyze c) summarize d) predict

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to use "input": "To improve our product, we are actively seeking feedback from our customers."

  2. Rewrite the sentence to use "input" or a related word form: "The computer requires a constant flow of power and data to operate efficiently."

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "input": "The factory's objective is to double the quantity of goods it produces next quarter."

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. input
  2. input
  3. preparatory
  4. output

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Input
  2. b) Input, c) Feedback
  3. a) input, c) data, d) information
  4. d) output
  5. a) interpret, b) analyze

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We are actively seeking customer input to improve our product.
  2. Efficient computer operation demands a constant input of power and data.
  3. The factory aims to double its production output next quarter.

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