English UsageComparison guide
Login vs. Log In
“Log in” is the phrasal verb for connecting to a computer system. “Login” is a noun for the credentials, act, or access point, and Cambridge also documents “log-in” as a noun spelling. The verb remains two words.
Use “log in” for the verb. Use “login” for the noun; Cambridge also records the hyphenated noun variant “log-in.”
Key details
Confusion Familyword-boundary
Noun Variant Scopeclosed login and hyphenated log-in are documented noun forms
Rule Familyorthographic-boundary
Termslogin, log-in, log in
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| to connect to a computer system | log in | It is the phrasal verb. |
| the credentials, act, or access point as a noun | login / log-in | Both noun spellings are documented. |
Further guidance
Core difference
The action is “log in”; the noun is commonly “login,” with “log-in” also documented.
Fast Test
If you can say “logged in” or “logging in,” you are using the two-word verb.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge records “login” and “log-in” as noun forms, so house style may choose between documented noun spellings.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- LOGIN — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Noun meanings and documented “log-in” variant for “login”
- LOG IN — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Phrasal verb “log in” for connecting to a computer system