Meaning & use
log in
Last updated
Meanings
verbintransitivecomputing
To enter your username and password to open an account on a computer, website or app.
Grammar: No object; it is often followed by 'to' plus the service: log in to your account.
Patterns
- log in to something
- log in with something
- log in as someone
I couldn't log in because I had forgotten my password.
Log in with your email address and a six-digit code.
She logged in to the company system from home.
verbtransitivecomputing
To cause someone to be signed in to a computer system or service.
Grammar: Takes an object, often with 'into': the technician logged me into the network.
Patterns
- log someone in
- log someone into something
The technician logged me in and reset my password.
Can you log the new staff member into the system?
Word forms
| third person singular | logs in |
|---|---|
| past tense | logged in |
| past participle | logged in |
| -ing form | logging in |
Common combinations
- log in to your account
- You need to log in to your account to see the messages.
- log in with a password
- Customers can log in with a password or a fingerprint.
- log in again
- The page timed out, so I had to log in again.
- a secure log-in
- The bank uses a secure log-in with two-step verification.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sign in
- Almost the same meaning; 'sign in' is often used for physical visitors as well as websites, and sounds slightly more formal.
- log on
- Very similar, but it can also mean connecting a computer to a network rather than entering personal details.
Opposites
Word family
- login noun
- The act of logging in, or the name and password you use.
- logged-in adjective
- Describes a user who is currently signed in.
Commonly confused: log in or log on?
log in vs log on
'Log in' focuses on entering your details, while 'log on' often focuses on connecting to a system or network.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
The phrasal verb 'log in' is followed by 'to' before the service: log in to your account. 'Log in your account' is missing the preposition, and 'login' is a noun, not the verb form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “log in”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.