to log on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to log on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the action of accessing a computer system or network by entering credentials. Example: "Please remember to log on to the system before starting your work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The service, begun in October, enables corporations to log on and provide information about donations.

The New York Times

"I get requests from former workers every day asking how to log on," Mr. Todd added.

The New York Times

To log on, just swipe your grubby paw over the reader and away you go.

The Guardian

To log on, you will need to use your OIT login and password.

Princeton University

You should be able to log on without a password.

WikiHow

It is also one of the reasons JetBlue is not charging passengers to log on.

The New York Times - Tech

I've got to log on?

The New Yorker

Millions tried to log on; few succeeded.

The Economist

The winner is the first to log on.

The New York Times

Or possibly it's expecting babies to try to log on.

The Guardian - Tech

I don't have to log on to the Internet.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing users, use active voice: "Log on to the system" rather than "You should log on to the system".

Common error

Avoid using other prepositions with "log". The correct phrase is "log on", not "log in" or "log into".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to log on" functions as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes the action of gaining access to a computer system, network, or application. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in instructions and descriptions of computer-related actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to log on" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the action of gaining access to a computer system or network. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and used in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. While alternatives like "to sign in" exist, "to log on" remains a standard and widely understood term. When writing, ensure the correct preposition is used and prefer active voice for clarity. The phrase enjoys a high frequency across reputable sources, making it a reliable choice for both technical and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to sign in

More common in user interfaces and less technical.

to sign on

Similar meaning but can also refer to formally agreeing to something.

to access the system

More formal and emphasizes the act of gaining entry.

to connect to the network

Focuses on the network connection aspect.

to authenticate

More technical term referring to the verification process.

to enter credentials

Emphasizes the input of login details.

to gain access

Highlights the result of successfully logging in.

to get into the account

More informal and user-centric.

to initialise session

Technical term for establishing a connection.

to start session

General term for initiating a user session.

FAQs

What does "to log on" mean?

The phrase "to log on" means to gain access to a computer system or network by entering your credentials, such as a username and password.

What can I say instead of "to log on"?

You can use alternatives like "to sign in", "to sign on", or "to access the system" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "log into" instead of "to log on"?

While "log into" is sometimes used informally, "to log on" is generally considered more grammatically correct, particularly in formal writing. It's best to stick with "to log on" for clarity.

How to use "to log on" in a sentence?

Example: "Please remember to log on to the network before starting your work." or "Users who try to log on to the Kronos application will see a sorry page."