Register, Sign in and Log in (2024)

Register, Sign in and Log in (1)

Register, Sign in and Log in (2)

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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 [email protected]

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

Is it better to say sign in or log in? ›

Use 'Log in' instead of 'Sign in'

Keep in mind that “log in” is a verb and “login” is a noun. The names of the buttons should be verbs, but the reference to the login experience should be a noun. Using “Log in” and “Sign up” helps users distinguish the terms and according to research, works better.

What is a login short answer? ›

What is a logon (or login)? In computing, a logon is a procedure that enables an entity to access a secure system such as an operating system, application, service, website or other resource. The entity is typically an end user, although it can also be another system, such as a computer, service or application.

Which is correct, login or sign in? ›

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.

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.

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

Sign in and log in basically are the same thing, wherein you need to put your credentials to access an account like email. Sign up is where you need to set your credentials for the first time to make any account.

When to use sign in vs login? ›

We can also use the single word “login” as a noun to describe such a session on a computer. 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.

Does login mean password? ›

A login credential is a set of unique identifiers–such as a username and password–that enables a user to verify identity in order to log in to an online account. Failure to use secure passwords negates cybersecurity software and tools like firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs).

Why do we say log in? ›

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.

Does login mean username? ›

For instance, when a user logs into a new website, they may maintain their identity by using the same username. To log in to their email account, you must know their username and password. A login is a username and password combination.

When to use 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.

Is it correct to say login into? ›

In this case, to is a preposition that links the phrasal verb to the upcoming word. That is why the correct spelling is log in to not log into.

Do we say log on or in? ›

"Logging in" suggests entering user credentials to any sort of website or software. "Logging on" suggests both entering credentials and being online afterwards, like in a video game or an instant messenger.

What is the difference between register and sign up? ›

To register is far more formal and is often used in connection with official or governmental things like 'to register to vote' or 'to register with the local authorities'. To sign up is more informal and has an element of freedom to it. It means more 'to join'.

What is the full meaning of sign in? ›

signed in; signing in; signs in. intransitive verb. : to make a record of arrival by signing a register or punching a time clock. transitive verb. : to record arrival of (a person) or receipt of (an article) by signing.

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!

Is logging in the same as signing in? ›

“Log in” is a phrasal verb, meaning “to make your presence in a computer system known (i.e., “signing in”), and your identity as an authenticated user accepted into the system.”

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.

Is log into correct? ›

The correct verb is “Log in,” a phrasal verb, not “Login (which is a noun), or “Log into.” So, “Log in to your account.” is the only one that is correct.

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