what are the common types of mechanical input that are used to drive genrators?

Question

electrical machineries

Answer 1

For large or largish generators
steam turbines
gas turbines
wind turbines
water turbines
diesel engines

Answer 2

at power plants (electricty generating stations), they use steam pressure to turn large turbine blades. the shaft of the turbine is coupled (connected) to a generator.

Around the neighborhood after a storm/power outage, private citizens use small gasoline powered engines to turn small generators.

There are a zillion others to numerous to mention but I'll go until they stop popping into my brain--- diesel/ natural gas/ waste boiler heat, hydroelectric at a dam, the little thing on you bicycle that rubs along the wheel and turns on the lights, gilligan pedaling that bike .....