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Message board > Calling all Native Speakers
Calling all Native Speakers
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libertybelle
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Calling all Native Speakers
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I �ve been checking out lots of lists of irregular verbs.
I �ve noticed none agree about the past tense of the word LIGHT.
My American friends say - He lit a cigarette.
In many of my British books they write - He lighted a cigarette.
which is it? On the other hand I �ve never heard any of my British friends say lighted.
What do you say?
best wishes
Libertybelle
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4 Feb 2011
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edrodmedina
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My friends say litted... only kidding. Lit is what I �ve heard. |
5 Feb 2011
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Apodo
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I believe this is a case of our changing language.
Lighted is a legitimate word, but lit is much more common. Lighted sounds quite old fashioned and formal nowadays. I �ve only read it in old novels.
Another changing word is the past tense of sneak, which is sneaked. More and more we are hearing the word snuck.
Unless you �re trying to sound like an old 1920s novel lit is the best word to use. 8-)
Edit: I changed the spelling to snuck (rhymes with stuck) - This is not a legitimate word yet.
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5 Feb 2011
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moravc
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sorry, not a native speaker, but I agree with Apodo...
lighted - in Jane Austen novels :-)
lit - much more common - "We are floating in the moonlit sky. " (from The Snowman - film)
sneaked - perfectly ok with me - I sneaked out of the hall and opened the front door quietly...
snook - sounds like American English ??
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5 Feb 2011
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Olindalima ( F )
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Hi Lisa
Sorry, not native, I only can check what books say... and believe.
Having you , native , all around make me feel more comfortable.
As you, native, usually say:
My 2 cents
19. The representation of light in art. v. light�ed or lit (l t), light�ing, lights v.tr.1. To set on fire; ignite or kindle. 2. To cause to give out light; make luminous: lit a lamp. 3. To provide, cover, or fill with light; illuminate: fireworks lighting the sky. 4. To signal, direct, or guide with or as if with illumination. 5. To enliven or animate: A smile lit her face. v.intr.1. To start to burn; be ignited or kindled: Green wood does not light easily. 2. To emit light; be lighted: Wait until the indicator lights up. adj. light�er, light�est 1. a. Having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness. b. Of or being an additive primary color. 2. Characterized by or filled with light; bright: a room that is light when the shutters are open. 3. Not dark in color; fair: light hair and skin. 4. Served with milk or cream. Used of coffee.
I have heard and used and seen both all my life. I was thought, from the very beginning, both forms.
Obviously, I �m not native, so I �ll try to follow this thread and, I do hope someone may bring some light here around.
What is more beautiful in a language is its own capacity of being always alive, .... and living beings are always changing.
Tha �s why I don �t speak Latin, not anymore, biut I speak Portuguese, a language that is going by several and severe transformations, made by politicians who now but a zero about linguistics.
Sorry, I know I didn �t answer your post, Lisa, but I felt I had to leave here some kind of "answer "
Hope you can find THE answer.
Hugs
Linda
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5 Feb 2011
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Anna.W123
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For me, lit and lighted are interchangable.
Although I haven �t heard snook, I have heard snuck used as the past tense of sneak. But ultimately I think sneaked is better - grammatically speaking. |
5 Feb 2011
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David Lisgo
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I can �t imagine using "lighted" in a question. "Have you lighted the fire?", though "lighted" seems possible in a statement. I myself always use the word "lit" (and "snuck" for that matter. British usage is also effected by area and class, like it or not. |
5 Feb 2011
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libertybelle
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Thanks for all the great answers!
And yes - it was an old Agatha Christie novel I read it in.
And while we�re on the subject.........
Are there any others who use ED instead of T in the past tense of irregular verbs?
I use smelled - dreamed - learned etc.
Because if you do - than these words aren�t irregular at all!
What about you?
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5 Feb 2011
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teachertonyinchina
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I always use lit and have not heard anyone use the word lighted. British English used in Britain very standard unlike what I hear with my American friends. |
5 Feb 2011
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Gia Mel
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Anyone can help me in the verb for "seat" I have the same problem... seat, sit, seated, sat...
I have a confusion here!
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5 Feb 2011
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