I’ve found a site that I want to print out and leave at everyone’s desks at work: notaverb.com. It makes the case conclusively that “login” is not a verb (if you don’t want to read the page, use it as two words). This makes me unreasonable happy–as does the conclusion on the “login” page:
If you take only one thing away from this page, take that one fact: “login” is not a verb. Educate others. Correct manuals, software, and web pages as you find them. Tell everyone you know that “login” is not a verb. You will make a pedant (me) happy. You will earn the respect of grammar nazis. Most importantly, you will know the truth.
Rise up copywriters, but I’m still putting whatever the hell I want on the final comp that goes to the client. Creative Director FTW!
Jason, I knew you’d have my back on this!
Not to be argumentative, but I have to disagree with Amber’s assertion that “‘login’ looks much better as a directive or on a button than ‘log in.'” It’s two words, regardless of whether it’s on a button or in body copy.
But then I’m a Chicago Manual guy, not AP.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now all I need is a site detailing the correct use of apostrophes and I’ll be happy.
Those are all good points. But this site makes the point with VERB CHARTS.
And note that you typed “logging in” as two words, not “logining,” which is would be if we decided “login” was its own new word.
Grammar for the win!
What of the notion the English is a living language and the act of “logging in” is more of a new thing – hence to login.
Also, from a typographical design point of view “login” looks much better as a directive or on a button than “log in”.
Also, thank the AP Gods for finally recognizing the change to “website” from “Web site”. I for one can only hope that “login” is next.
Also, that is all.