In the English language, there are many words that can be confusing due to their similar spellings or pronunciations. One such pair of words that often creates confusion is “inputted” and “input.” Many people wonder which one is correct to use in a given context. As an IELTS tutor, I can shed some light on this matter.
Both “inputted” and “input” are used as verbs, but they have slight differences in usage. “Input” is the more commonly used term, and it is the standard past tense and past participle form of the verb “to input.” For instance, you wouldn’t say, “Yesterday, I inputted the data into the computer”; it would be more appropriate to say, “Yesterday, I input the data into the computer.” The sentence flows more naturally when “input” is used as the past tense verb.
However, there may be situations where “inputted” is the more appropriate choice. It is often used when referring to computer programming or data entry tasks. For example, if you are discussing a specific coding task or a data entry job, you might say, “I inputted the values into the spreadsheet” or “She inputted the commands into the program.” In these instances, using “inputted” helps convey the technical nature of the task at hand. It adds a level of precision and accuracy to the conversation.
To summarize, “input” is the general term that can be used in most situations as the past tense and past participle form of the verb “to input.” On the other hand, “inputted” is more specific to tasks related to computer programming or data entry.
Let’s explore some more examples to illustrate the difference:
1. The computer programmer input the code into the system.
2. The data entry clerk inputted the customer information into the database.
In the first sentence, “input” is used as the past tense verb to describe a general action of inputting code. In the second sentence, “inputted” is used to emphasize the specific job of a data entry clerk inputting customer information.
It’s important to note that while “inputted” is acceptable in technical contexts, it may not be widely recognized or accepted in more general usage. Therefore, if you are not referring to a specific technical task, it is better to stick with the more commonly used term, “input.”
So, to answer the question, “input” is the correct term in most situations. However, “inputted” can be used in specific technical contexts to add precision and accuracy. The key is to consider the context and audience when deciding which term to use.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “inputted” and “input” is essential for clear and effective communication. By using “input” as the general form and reserving “inputted” for technical contexts, you can ensure that your language usage is accurate and appropriate. So, the next time you are discussing your data entry skills or programming tasks, remember to use “inputted” for that extra technical touch, but in everyday conversations, “input” will serve you just fine.