To Log in To, to Log Into, or to Login To? Which is Correct?
Nowadays, nearly everyone has some form of online account where they have to input their email address and password to access it. But what is the correct way to describe the process of logging into an account? Is it to log in to, to log into, or to login to?
Log in Vs Login
Let’s start with the basics. When you enter your information to access your account, you log in. This is the verb form. For example, you log in (verb) with your login (noun) on the login page (adjective).
Login can be a noun or an adjective.
In noun form, your login is the information you use to sign in to an account.
In adjective form, the login page is the page where you sign in.
Let’s take a look in more detail.
Login
Login can be used as either a noun or an adjective and refers to the information used to access an account or system. This information could be a username and password or a verification code, for example. This could be for a social media site, online shopping, or online banking.
Login examples:
He couldn’t remember his login information, so he always kept a note of it.
She used the login code to access her internet banking.
Computer login usually requires a username and password.
Log in to
Log in is a phrasal verb and is what you do when you want to access a device, application, or online account on a website. This process is referred to as logging in.
When you log in, you are verifying your identity in order to gain access. In other words, you need to log in to your account.
To log in to has nautical origins dating back hundreds of years from when the word log was used as a shortened version of a ship’s logbook. This was used to record a ship’s cargo and events that took place on the ship. The word “log” has therefore long been related to the action of recording information.
Nowadays, the definition of log in is to establish communication and initiate interaction with a computer or system, according to Meriam Webster. This is done by providing information. In each case, information is recorded and stored, before you are granted access. So, you log in to your Facebook account, for example.
Log in to examples
You need to log in to your online bank account to check your balance.
When you log in to your computer, you need to provide your username and password.
He has to log in to the company’s website to access his billing history.
Log in plural and tenses
The plural form of log in is logs in. For example, he logs in to Facebook every day.
The past form of log in is logged in. For example, I logged in to check my bank balance.
The present continuous form of log in is logging in. For example, I am just logging in to my computer now.
Log into
Log into is a phrasal verb and can be used interchangeably with log in to. It means the same thing. So, once again it is what you do when you want to access a device, application, or online account.
Log into examples
I log into my email account every day.
I’m having some problems logging into my account.
I don’t like to log into my bank account from a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Log into Vs log in to
To log into or to log in to? That is the question!
Both log into and log in to are correct. However, in the majority of cases on websites, you’ll see it written as “log in to”. So, if in doubt go with this option.
Conclusion: Log in to or login to?
So, to “log in to” is the action of entering your information to access your account. While your login information is the data that you enter to log in.
