flame is lit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flame is lit" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe when a fire or candle has been ignited or started. Example: As the match struck the matchbox, the flame was lit and bathed the room in a warm glow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There is now a race to complete costly renovations before the centenary flame is lit.

The Guardian

"It's experiences like this which is where the flame is lit, and if they close we're all going to suffer.

The Guardian

The Olympic flame is lit in Athens The Flaming Arrow The Flaming Arrow The composer was called on by the organisers of the Olympic Games to come up with a theme for the lighting of the torch.

Independent

The opening ceremony of the 2008 games will begin at 8.08pm on August 8th.When the Olympic flame is lit, China will be hoping for a 17-day festival of sport and international friendship.

The Economist

We did not get the chance to celebrate and realise how fantastic it is for the whole country". Lord Coe spelled out the message that with a little more than 2,500 days to go until the Olympic flame is lit, the hard work is only beginning.

The Guardian

And it will not be the last story of its kind: we have another four and a half years' worth of fraud, rancour and scares over toxic dumps and Japanese knotweed to come before the sacred flame is lit, at which point an orgy of greed will make the stories of hiked hotel prices and taxi-driver scams presently coming out of Paris seem very insignificant indeed.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And, by the time the Olympic flame is lighted here at dusk on Feb. 12, 1994, these cautious Norwegians will have already organized 30 competitions to test every site in near-Olympic conditions.

The New York Times - Sports

Exactly 30 years after the Olympic flame was lit in Sarajevo in 1984, the city was in again in flames.

The Guardian - Opinion

That scandal played out before the flame was lit in Utah and, once competition began, doping became the problem.

The Times

When the flame was lit back in 1984 I was seven and lived just across from the Olympic stadium.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the flame was lit on the Olympic torch in Rio, John Vidal looked at why the city found it so hard to clear up its waste.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flame is lit" to denote not just a literal fire but also the beginning of something meaningful or the revitalization of a cause.

Common error

Avoid using "flame is lit" in contexts where the ignition is unintentional or accidental. The phrase carries a sense of deliberate commencement, so stick to situations where the action is intentional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flame is lit" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the "flame" is the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used to describe the commencement of a fire or the beginning of a significant event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flame is lit" is a grammatically correct passive construction that signifies the beginning of something, often with ceremonial or symbolic importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its usage is most common in news and media contexts. While not exceptionally frequent, the phrase effectively communicates initiation and is best used in deliberate, meaningful contexts. Alternatives such as "fire is ignited" and "candle is burning" offer similar meanings depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fire is ignited

Focuses on the action of starting a fire, emphasizing the ignition process.

candle is burning

Specifies the type of flame and its active state.

fire is ablaze

Highlights the intensity and visual aspect of the fire.

lamp is illuminated

Shifts the focus to a lamp as a source of light rather than a flame.

torch is kindled

Refers to the lighting of a torch, often in a ceremonial context.

blaze is started

Emphasizes the initiation of a large or uncontrolled fire.

spark is ignited

Metaphorically refers to the beginning of something, similar to starting a fire.

fire is sparked

Implies the creation of fire often suggesting a cause or trigger.

inferno erupts

Portrays a sudden and intense outbreak of fire.

light is switched on

Changes focus to artificial lighting instead of a flame.

FAQs

How can I use "flame is lit" in a sentence?

You can use "flame is lit" to describe the start of a fire, a ceremony, or even a metaphorical beginning. For example, "The Olympic "flame is lit" at the start of the games" or "The "flame is lit" to represent a new era".

What's a good alternative to "flame is lit"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fire is ignited", "candle is burning", or "fire is ablaze".

Is it grammatically correct to say "flame is lit"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Flame" is the subject, "is" is the verb, and "lit" is the past participle, forming a passive construction.

What does "flame is lit" typically symbolize?

The phrase "flame is lit" often symbolizes a beginning, inspiration, hope, or a call to action, especially in ceremonial settings or to mark a significant event.