Log in vs Log on
What’s the difference between them?
Log in
Meaning:
Log in is a term used to describe the process of entering a username and password to access a computer system, website, or application.
Examples:
1) I need to log in to my account to check my emails.
2) Please remember to log in to the website using your username and password.
3) I'm having trouble logging in to the system - can you help me?
Log on
Meaning:
To log on is to connect a network without a strict need to use credentials.
Examples:
1. I logged on the forum to discuss some news.
2. Just log on the Financial Times to read the article.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Log in
sign in
Log out
Log on
access
Log off
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Log in", "Log on".
1. 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.
3. Log in: 'In the system with specific info.'
4. Log on: 'On the network, easy and quick.'
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Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'Log in'?
The term 'Log in' is used when referring to the process of entering a computer system or website with a username and password. It is commonly used as a way of accessing one’s account, for example, to log in to one’s email account, or to log in to a social media platform.
When to use the second word 'Log on'?
The term 'Log on' is very similar to 'Log in'. It can be used to describe the process of authenticating into a computer system or website without neccessarily using a username and password.
Do the words 'Log in' and 'Log on' have the same pronunciation?
No, they are pronounced differently, depending on the preposition.
What are common mistakes associated with the words 'Log in', 'Log on'?
One common mistake associated with the words 'Log in' and 'Log on' is that they are often used interchangeably. Although they can be used interchangeably, they are actually two distinct terms with different meanings.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I forgot my password, so I cant ___ to my email account.
2. When you first start your computer, youll need to ___ to the network.
3. Please ___ to our website to access exclusive content.
4. If you dont ___ to your account regularly, it might get deactivated.
5. For security reasons, after ten failed attempts to ___ , the account will be temporarily locked.
6. You can ___ the public Wi-Fi without entering any credentials.
1. log in
Explanation: Accessing an email account requires entering a username and password, which is associated with log in.
2. log on
Explanation: Connecting to a network, especially in the context of starting a computer, generally doesnt specify the need for credentials, making log on the more appropriate choice.
3. log in
Explanation: The phrase access exclusive content suggests the need to enter specific credentials (like a username and password), aligning with the term log in.
4. log in
Explanation: Accessing a personal account, which would typically require credentials, fits with log in.
5. log in
Explanation: The mention of failed attempts indicates the action of entering credentials, which aligns with log in.
6. log on
Explanation: The absence of the need to enter credentials, as implied in the sentence, fits with log on.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.