Log in vs Login

Theory and Rules

"Log In" (Verb)

"Log in" is a phrasal verb. This means it's an action you do. When you "log in," you enter your username and password to access a system or account.

Examples:

I need to log in to my email.

Please log in before you can access your account.

"Login" (Noun/Adjective)

"Login" is a noun or an adjective. It refers to the act or the process of logging in, or the credentials used to log in (like username and password).

Examples:

I forgot my login details. (Noun)

Click the login button to continue. (Adjective)

Common Errors

Mixing Up Verb and Noun/Adjective

Many people confuse "log in" and "login," using them interchangeably. Remember, "log in" is something you do, while "login" refers to the process or credentials.

❌ Incorrect:

I need to login to my email. (Here, "log in" should be used)

Enter your log in details. (Here, "login" should be used)

✔️ Correct:

I need to log in to my email.

Enter your login details.

Spacing

A common mistake is writing "log in" as one word when it's meant to be a verb.

❌ Incorrect:

I forgot to login last night. (Should be "log in")

✔️ Correct:

I forgot to log in last night.

Everyday Use

Using "Log In" in Sentences

Every morning, I log in to my computer.

You need to log in with your credentials to access the service.

Using "Login" in Sentences

I can't remember my login password.

The login page is down for maintenance.

Comments from the Community

Based on similar discussions and insights from various forums and articles, here are some detailed perspectives:

Consistency is Key:

User Perspective: Consistency in using these terms correctly enhances user experience. If users encounter mixed usage, it can lead to confusion, especially for those less familiar with technical jargon.

Developer Insight: For developers, consistent use of "login" and "log in" in code, documentation, and UI text ensures clarity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

Educational Value:

Training and Onboarding: Clear differentiation between "login" and "log in" can be valuable in training materials for new users or employees, helping them understand the process and terminology.

Internationalization:

Global Audience: For non-native English speakers, proper use of "login" and "log in" can aid in learning and understanding the language, making the system more accessible to a global audience.

Practical Application

To ensure correct usage, here are some practical guidelines:

User Interfaces: Use "log in" when instructing users to perform the action.

Button Text: "Log In"

Error Messages: "Failed to log in. Please check your credentials."

Documentation: Use "login" when referring to the process or credentials.

Instructions: "Enter your login to access the dashboard."

FAQs: "What should I do if I forget my login?"

FAQ

What is the difference between "log in" and "login"?

"Log in" is a verb phrase meaning to enter credentials to access a system, while "login" is a noun or adjective referring to the process or credentials.

Can "log in" be used as a noun?

No, "log in" should only be used as a verb phrase. Use "login" as a noun.

Is "login" one word or two?

"Login" is one word when used as a noun or adjective. "Log in" is two words when used as a verb phrase.

Can I say "login" when talking about the action?

No, when talking about the action, use "log in." Use "login" when referring to the credentials or the process.

What are examples of using "log in" correctly?

You should log in to your account to check messages.

She needs to log in to start her work.