English Reference

Phrasal verb

log in

Definition

phrasal verb. You use this when you want to start using a computer program or website by typing your username and password.

phrasal verb. To gain access to a computer system or application by providing credentials. The verb is typically intransitive or followed by the preposition 'to'.

Examples

“She logs in to the app to check her messages.”

“The website was so busy that it took me five minutes just to log in to my bank account.”

“Users are frequently prompted to log in again after a period of inactivity to maintain the integrity of the secure session.”

Examples

simple

“She logs in to the app to check her messages.”

contextual

“The website was so busy that it took me five minutes just to log in to my bank account.”

complex

“Users are frequently prompted to log in again after a period of inactivity to maintain the integrity of the secure session.”

Usage

Usually followed by 'to' when specifying the website or system being accessed.

Teaching tip

Highlight the spelling distinction: 'log in' is the verb, whereas 'login' is the noun or adjective.

Pitfall

Please login to your account.

Please log in to your account.

The verb form is two words ('log in'), whereas 'login' is a noun or adjective.

Phrasal verb

Particles

in

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

log + in

Synonyms

sign inaccessenter

Antonyms

log outsign out

Related words

loglogin

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference