English UsageComparison guide
Lighted vs. Lit
“Lit” and “lighted” are both standard verb forms of “light”. Cambridge also lists “lighted” as an adjective before a noun, such as a lighted candle.
Both “lit” and “lighted” are standard verb forms; “lighted” also has an established adjective use before nouns.
Key details
Confusion Familyinflection-variant
Rule Familyverb-form
TermsLighted, Lit
Variant ScopeCambridge lists “lit” and “lighted” as past-tense and past-participle forms and separately records adjectival “lighted”.
Further guidance
Core difference
Both “lit” and “lighted” are standard verb forms; “lighted” also has an established adjective use before nouns.
Style Boundary
Choose the form that fits the documented regional, grammatical, or stylistic context, and keep house style consistent when more than one standard form is available.
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.
- Light — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Verb forms “lit” and “lighted” for starting flames or making something bright