log in
B1Neutral to informal; technical in IT contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To enter a computer system or online account by providing credentials (username/email and password).
To begin a session on a digital device, website, or application; more broadly, to authenticate one's identity in a digital context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb (phrasal verb). Can be hyphenated ('log-in') when used as a noun or adjective. Often used interchangeably with 'sign in', though 'log in' can imply a more technical/system-level entry, while 'sign in' is broader (e.g., signing a guestbook).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK often uses 'log in to' (three separate words for verb). US frequently uses 'log into' (two words) though both forms appear in both regions. The noun form 'login' (one word) is standard globally.
Connotations
None significant.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, with the spelling/prepositional differences noted above.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[User] logs in [to system] [with credentials].[User] logs in.Log in [here/to access].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Log in and chill (playful tech variant of 'netflix and chill')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Employees must log in to the VPN to access confidential files.
Academic
Students can log in to the online library portal using their university ID.
Everyday
I can't log in to my social media account; I think I've forgotten the password.
Technical
The script will log in to the server via SSH and execute the commands.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You need to log in to the network every morning.
- I've logged in successfully.
- She is logging in from her phone.
American English
- Log into your email to check the invite.
- He logged in with his new password.
- They're having trouble logging into the app.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial use).
American English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial use).
adjective
British English
- Please visit our log-in page.
- Use your log-in details.
American English
- Your login information is incorrect.
- I forgot my login credentials.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Click here to log in.
- I log in to my computer every day.
- Can you log in to your account and check the message?
- The system would not let me log in because my password was wrong.
- After you log in to the platform, you'll see the dashboard with your notifications.
- Users are required to log in using two-factor authentication for added security.
- The application is configured to log in automatically via single sign-on (SSO).
- Attempts to log in from an unrecognised device will trigger a security alert.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ship's LOG book where journeys are recorded. 'Log in' is like recording the start of your digital journey into a system.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS IS A DOOR/GATEWAY (you 'log in' to 'enter' a digital space).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like 'войти в журнал' (enter into a log).
- Do not confuse with 'зарегистрироваться' (to register/sign up). 'Log in' is for existing accounts only.
- The Russian 'логин' is a noun (username), not a verb.
Common Mistakes
- Writing as one word when used as a verb: 'Please login to your account.' (Incorrect for verb, correct for noun/adjective).
- Using 'log in' for first-time account creation (should be 'sign up' or 'register').
- Misspelling as 'loggin' or 'loging'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CORRECT verb form?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct but for different parts of speech. 'Log in' (two words) is the verb. 'Login' (one word, sometimes hyphenated) is the noun or adjective (e.g., 'Enter your login', 'the login page').
They are often used interchangeably. 'Log in' originated in computing (referring to system logs) and can sound slightly more technical. 'Sign in' is broader and can also imply a physical act (e.g., signing a visitor's book). In most consumer apps/websites, both are fine.
Traditional grammar and UK style guides often prefer 'log in to' (treating 'log in' as an inseparable phrasal verb followed by 'to'). 'Log into' is very common, especially in US usage, and is widely accepted. Both are understood.
The direct opposite is 'log out' or 'sign out'. It means to end your session on a system or website.
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