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
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| past tense or participle of light | lit / lighted | Both are standard in verb uses. |
| established adjective before a noun | lighted | Use where the adjective convention calls for it, such as “a lighted candle.” |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you choosing a past-tense or participle form of the verb “light”?
If yes: Both “lit” and “lighted” can be standard; follow idiom and house style.
If no: If it is an attributive adjective, check whether “lighted” is the established form in that expression.
Caveat: Idiomatic preference can differ by expression; the two verb forms are not a simple correctness contrast.
Examples
She lit the lamp at dusk.
“Lit” is a standard past form.
She lighted the lamp at dusk.
“Lighted” is also a standard verb form.
A lighted candle stood by the window.
“Lighted” has an established adjective use before nouns.
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