Register, Sign in and Log in (2024)


Hello! This week on Ask a Teacher we answer a question from Mali.

Question:

What are the differences between ''register'', ''sign in'' and ''log in?”

Thanks.

Kouame, Mali.

Answer:

Dear Kouame,

Thank you for writing to us with your question. These words and phrases are all common when we use the internet. Sometimes you can use them when discussing activities that do not require a computer.

Let’s look at some of the similarities and differences.

Log in

Let us begin with the phrasal verb “log in.” This expression means to gain permission to use a computer system. Logging in usually requires a username and password. When a user logs in, the computer system keeps a record, or “log,” of that user’s session on the system. We can also use the single word “login” as a noun to describe such a session on a computer.

Sign in

We can use the phrasal verb “sign in” in the same way as “log in.” But unlike “log in,” “sign in” is common outside of the computer world. As part of security measures in an office building or school, you may have to provide information about yourself before you enter. That could mean writing your name (or “signing” your name) on a paper or showing an identity card. This creates a record of visitors to a place.

Register

Finally, the verb “register” means to provide information about yourself the first time you use a computer program or attend an event. You often need to register before you can sign in or log in to a service. Another phrase we use for “register” is “sign up.”

Here is an example:

I recently signed up for a birdwatching class!

Registering for something sometimes involves paying money, while signing in or logging in to something usually does not require a payment.

What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com

And that’s Ask a Teacher.

I’m Jill Robbins.

Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

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Words in This Story

phrasal verbgrammar. a group of words that functions as a verb and is made up of a verb and a preposition, an adverb, or both

sessionn. a period of time that is used to do a particular activity

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Register, Sign in and Log in (2024)

FAQs

Which is correct, login or sign in? ›

Login should be used as a noun, as in "use your login information to access our services". The example you provide actually incorrectly uses the word "login" in 2 locations (they should have separated it into 2 words - "log" and "in"). Don't ever use signin - not a word.

Should I use sign in or log in? ›

We can use the phrasal verb “sign in” in the same way as “log in.” But unlike “log in,” “sign in” is common outside of the computer world. As part of security measures in an office building or school, you may have to provide information about yourself before you enter.

What is the difference between sign up sign in and log in? ›

When a user signs up, they're creating a new account. This could be done by providing an email and a password, or by using a social provider like Google, Facebook, etc. Log In: Logging in is the process a user undergoes when they want to access their existing account.

Is it I was able to log in or login? ›

The essential is to remember that "log in" is a verb and "login" is a noun or an adjective. This is important to know in order to use them correctly in your sentences.

Is it sign in or login first? ›

This means that if you are signing in for one session, the correct word is log in. So, for the user, it could be sign in but for the system, it's log in.

Do you say login to or log into? ›

“Log in” is a phrasal verb meaning “connect to an electronic device, system, or app.” The preposition “to” is often used directly after the verb; “in” and “to” should be written as two separate words (e.g., “log in to the app to update privacy settings”).

Do sign in and log in mean the same thing? ›

In computing, sign in and log in are synonyms. Both mean "to open a session with an account that is already created". There is one difference: the derived noun login "a username; a session under that username" exists, but there is no such noun as *signin.

How to use log in in a sentence? ›

Users were required to log in to access the service. Additionally, they published admin user name and password for other citizens to log in and clear their debts early morning. Users can download free versions and log in through the panel to inject browsers and decrypt the host to log in to other websites.

What is the correct way to write sign in? ›

The verb form is two words, sign in or sign out. Avoid using as a noun or adjective (sign-in, sign-out). Instead, use a more descriptive or precise term. Enter your password to sign in.

What is register login? ›

Here are their main differences: Purpose: A registration form is used to create a new user account in the system, while a login form is used to authenticate an existing user who has already registered.

Is it sign up or login with Google? ›

Sign up for a Gmail account
  1. Go to the Google Account sign in page.
  2. Click Create account.
  3. Follow the steps on the screen to set up your account.
  4. Use the account you created to sign in to Gmail.

What is a login account? ›

a username and password that allows a person to log in to a computer system, network, mobile device, or user account: I've forgotten my login again!

Which is correct, login or log in? ›

It is important to distinguish between the two, as 'log in' is used to describe the process of signing into a system, and 'login' is used to refer to the username or account name needed to access it. Additionally, it is important to note that 'log in' has two words, whereas 'login' is one word.

What does login into mean? ›

to enter identifying data, as a name or password, into a multiuser system, so as to be able to do work with the system. b. to enter or include any item of information or data in a record, account, etc.

How do I check my login log? ›

Go to Start ➔ Type “Event Viewer” and click enter to open the “Event Viewer” window. In the left navigation pane of “Event Viewer”, open “Security” logs in “Windows Logs”.

How do you use login in a sentence? ›

Users must login to their website to download all formatted versions of the text. This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.

Why do we say login? ›

The term login comes from the verb (to) log in and by analogy with the verb to clock in. Computer systems keep a log of users' access to the system. The term "log" comes from the chip log which was historically used to record distance traveled at sea and was recorded in a ship's log or logbook.

Is login always one word? ›

It may be that you decide to go with the growing common usage, and just use one word (like 'login') for everything. But if you want to follow the 'rules', they're something like this: If it's a verb, use two words. If it's a noun, including cases when the noun is used to qualify another noun, use one word.

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