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often see a single word being used when it should be two words. Here are some examples.
Logon and log on
“Logon” is a noun, describing the procedure used to get access to an operating system. “Logon” can also be used as an adjective, as in the “logon procedure.”
“Log on” is a verb. “I need to log on to my computer.”
The same distinctions apply to “login” and “log in.”
Alot and a lot
“Alot” is not a word. Fortunately, Word’s spell checker flags this common error.
“A lot” means many. “A lot of people think that way.”
Everyday and every day
“Everyday” is an adjective meaning ordinary or typical. “The store offers everyday values.”
“Every day” is an adverb referring to something that occurs each day. “The store offers values every day.”
Backup and back up
“Backup” is a noun, often referring to computer files that have been saved elsewhere. “My backup was corrupted.” “Backup” can also be an adjective. “It’s important to have a backup plan.”
“Back up” is a verb, referring to the action of moving backwards (e.g., a car) or of saving an electronic file to another location. “I am going to back up my computer now.”
Follow-up and follow up
“Follow-up” can be used as a noun, meaning something that follows. For example, “the follow-up was effective.” “Follow-up” can also be used as an adjective. “Follow-up actions are essential.”
“Follow up” is a verb, indicating action. “I will follow up with you tomorrow.”
“Followup” is not a word.
FAQs
Log in: Refers to the process of entering specific credentials, such as a username and password, to access a system, website, or application. 2. Log on: Can be a more general term for connecting or accessing a system, which might not always require credentials.
What is the meaning of log on? ›
Meaning of log on in English
to start using a computer system or program by giving a password (= a secret word by which the system recognizes an approved user): About 40,000 gamers have been logging on every day since the website appeared last month.
Is it logon to or log onto? ›
If you add another preposition, by the way, it changes nothing: You still “log on to” your computer, not “log onto.” “Log” still needs its adverb, and “onto” and “into” are prepositions. For now, the adverb “in” or “on” is separate in most dictionaries as well as in style and usage guides.
Should I say login or log in? ›
Because log in is expressed as a verb, you need the two-word version. Applying login and log in accurately, you would use your login details to log in to a website. The single-word version refers to information, and the two-word version refers to the action.
What is the difference between login and log off on computer? ›
Logging in tells the system who you are and what you have permission to do. Likewise, when you finish, you will log out so that no one else can access your files without permission.
What is the difference between login and logon in Windows? ›
Logon is used for a hardware system that starts up when used, like a computer. Login is used for a software system where I have to enter my username and password. Signin is used for identification, either physical such as a photo ID, or digital such as OpenID.
What is a synonym for log on? ›
log on (verb as in turn on) Strongest matches. activate put on switch on. Weak matches. begin energize get started ignite initiate introduce put in gear set in motion start up.
How do you use the word log? ›
log noun [C] (WOOD)
Running along the beach, she stumbled on a log and fell on the sand. He hid the coins in a hollow log. We found a huge pile of logs. He sawed the log in half.
How do you 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.
How do you say I have login? ›
You cannot say you have loginned, and you are never in the process of loginning. Moreover, you cannot even ask someone to login you; you must ask that person to log you in. Clearly, it is the two-word phrase log in that functions fully as an English verb, not the solid form.
Some people struggle with words like login/login. Should it be one word or two, they wonder. According to the Associated Press Stylebook, “login” is a noun and “log in” is a verb. So, if you're following AP style, you use your login to log in.
How do you log into something? ›
Most websites' or services' login pages can be accessed by clicking a Log In or Sign In link somewhere on the home page (usually in the upper-right corner). Then you'll enter your email address (or other types of username) in the "Email" text field and your password in the "Password" text field.
Why is it called logging on? ›
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 historically used to record distance traveled at sea and was recorded in a ship's log or logbook.
What is log on my phone? ›
Device logs generally contain limited technical information, but it's possible that these logs could contain information such as the apps you've installed on your device, when you use those apps, user or device identifiers, or other app activity information.
often see a single word being used when it should be two words. Here are some examples.