Started lighting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Started lighting" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to describe the beginning of a process involving light, but it needs additional context or modification to be clear. Example: "He started lighting the candles for the dinner party."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I started lighting candles.

Independent

Then he started lighting up a few joints.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I started lighting the space to discover it," he tells me.

The Guardian

Both ports started lighting the way for ships centuries ago, with simple lanterns fueled with whale oil or kerosene.

The New York Times

"It was like a picture from one of those old movies, where they have a switchboard and the lights started lighting up all over.

The New York Times

They started lighting bottle rockets and throwing them at Marv.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And none of this makes the slightest difference once the food starts lighting up your mouth.

The New York Times

Outside the door there is a strong smell of burning plastic as camp residents start lighting fires to cook food.

The Guardian

Then the rebel leader waved his weapon and gave an order, "Get the gasoline, and start lighting".

The New York Times

The four tubes will start lighting up in blue when the music goes on.

TechCrunch

The applications of Pb/acid batteries are of three types: SLI (starting, lighting, and ignition), traction, and stationary.

Industrial Applications of Batteries From Cars to Aerospace and Energy Storage

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Started lighting", ensure the context is clear. Specify what is being lit (e.g., candles, fires, lamps) to avoid ambiguity. For example: "He started lighting the candles."

Common error

Avoid using "Started lighting" without specifying the object or purpose of the lighting. Saying "Started lighting" without context can confuse the reader. Provide specific details like "Started lighting the campfire" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Started lighting" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, it often requires additional context to clarify what is being lit. Its role is to introduce the beginning of an illumination or ignition process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Started lighting" indicates the beginning of an action related to creating or activating light. While understandable, Ludwig AI suggests that it often lacks sufficient context and clarity. It is most frequently found in news and media, and wiki sources, though its use should be carefully considered to avoid ambiguity. Providing specific details about what is being lit will improve clarity and ensure effective communication. Consider alternatives like "Began illuminating" or "Commenced igniting" for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Began illuminating

Uses a more formal verb, 'illuminating', to describe the action of providing light.

Commenced igniting

Replaces 'lighting' with 'igniting', suggesting the beginning of a fire or combustion process.

Initiated illumination

Employs a more formal tone with 'initiated' and 'illumination'.

Began the process of lighting

Adds 'the process of' to clarify the commencement of lighting.

Set about lighting

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate the start of the action.

Got around to lighting

Indicates that the lighting was overdue or procrastinated.

Turned on the lights

Focuses on a light system already installed.

Switched on illumination

Implies the activation of a light source or system.

Flipped the switch to light

Refers to physically starting electrical lighting

Set the flame to

Refers to arson activity

FAQs

How can I use "Started lighting" in a sentence?

To use "Started lighting" correctly, provide specific details about what is being lit. For example, you could say, "She started lighting the birthday candles" or "He started lighting the barbecue".

What are some alternatives to "Started lighting"?

You can use alternatives like "Began illuminating", "Commenced igniting", or "Initiated illumination" depending on the context. Consider if you mean setting something on fire (igniting) or turning on an existing light (illuminating).

Is "Started lighting" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "Started lighting" lacks clarity and is best used with specific details. More precise alternatives might be preferable in formal writing. According to Ludwig, the phrase lacks clarity in written English.

What's the difference between "Started lighting" and "Began to light"?

"Started lighting" implies a continuous or repeated action, while "Began to light" /s/began+to+light suggests a single, initial action. For example, "He started lighting the lanterns" (one after another) versus "He began to light the fire" (single action).