What is the correct syntax for 'else if'?

In python "else if" is spelled "elif".
Also, you need a colon after the elif and the else.

Simple answer to a simple question. I had the same problem, when I first started (in the last couple of weeks).

So your code should read:

def function(a):
    if a == '1':
        print('1a')
    elif a == '2':
        print('2a')
    else:
        print('3a')

function(input('input:'))

Do you mean elif?