One word or two
Login vs. Log in
Login is a noun or adjective: your login, a login page. Log in is the verb phrase for the action: log in to your account. If you could put I or you in front of it, use two words.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| login | noun | the name and password you use to enter a system, or one act of entering it |
| adjective | describing something used for logging in, such as a page, screen or button | |
| log in | verb | to enter a computer system or account by giving your name and password |
Login
noun: the name and password you use to enter a system, or one act of entering it
- I forgot my login for the school website again.
- The app sent a warning about a new login from another city.
adjective: describing something used for logging in, such as a page, screen or button
- The login screen loads slowly on my old laptop.
- Click the login button at the top right.
Log in
verb: to enter a computer system or account by giving your name and password
- You have to log in before you can see your grades.
- Priya logged in from the hotel to check her email.
How to remember the difference
Actions come in pieces, things come in one. You log in (verb, two words) with your login (noun, one word), just like you set up your setup.
Good to know
The same split applies to log out and logout, sign in and sign-in, and back up and backup. Many style guides prefer log in to over log into for the verb, as in log in to the portal.
Spot the mistake
Please
loginlog in with your student ID number.Correct: Please log in with your student ID number.
My
log inlogin stopped working after the update.Correct: My login stopped working after the update.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. I need to reset my because I forgot my password.
Answer: login. The word is a thing (my login), so it is the one-word noun.
2. You can from any device with an internet connection.
Answer: log in. The word is an action after can, so it is the two-word verb log in.