lit a cigar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lit a cigar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of igniting a cigar for smoking. Example: "After a long day at work, he finally sat down on the porch and lit a cigar to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Talabani lit a cigar.

The New Yorker

Ritchie had taken his shirt off, and now he lit a cigar.

The New Yorker

Two early goals was enough: at times the Manchester City team could have lit a cigar given the ease of this win.

Independent

Manuel Valls, the Socialist prime minister whose party came third with 21%, reportedly lit a cigar to celebrate the FN's failure to place first.

The Economist

As we crossed the Connecticut River into Vermont, he lit a cigar and told me that he'd spent the week unpacking and meeting the neighbours.

The Guardian

With the whiskey still in his mouth, he lit a cigar and inhaled the flames, which killed him "almost at once".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mr. Wafel, 55, a barber from nearby Appleton City, lighted a cigar.

The New York Times

I will light a cigar for all time.

The New York Times - Sports

Before the final race, Mattress jumped into his car, attached his harness and lighted a cigar.

The New York Times - Sports

I lighted a cigar and sat down in the hot still air.

The New York Times - Sports

He found a seat in a non-smoking coach, but man came in, sat facing him and lighted a cigar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's actions, "lit a cigar" can effectively convey a sense of relaxation, celebration, or contemplation depending on the context. Consider the specific nuance you want to communicate.

Common error

Avoid using "lit a cigar" without considering its potential connotations. In some contexts, it may be perceived as arrogant or old-fashioned. Choose a more neutral phrase like "smoked a cigar" if the action itself is the only focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lit a cigar" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing the action of igniting a cigar. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show it in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lit a cigar" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that is used to portray a simple action. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase primarily functions as a verb phrase and is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral, it can evoke associations with relaxation or celebration. When using this phrase, be mindful of its potential connotations. Alternative phrases like "lighted a cigar" or "sparked a cigar" may offer slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lighted a cigar

Synonymous; "lighted" is a past tense form of "light", offering a slight variation in wording.

sparked a cigar

"Sparked" implies a quick, initial ignition, differing slightly in focus from the sustained action of "lit".

ignited a cigar

"Ignited" suggests a more formal or intense commencement of burning compared to "lit".

fired up a cigar

Informal way of saying "lit a cigar".

got a cigar going

Colloquial, implying the process of initiating and maintaining the cigar's burn.

took out a cigar

Implies the entire action of extracting the cigar, preparing it and lighting it.

put fire to a cigar

Refers specifically to applying a flame to the cigar.

torched a cigar

More violent and emphatic.

touched a cigar with flame

Emphasizes the physical action of bringing flame to the cigar.

smoked a cigar

Indicates the complete action, including ignition and subsequent smoking.

FAQs

What's a simple way to describe the action of starting to smoke a cigar?

The phrase "lit a cigar" is a straightforward way to describe someone starting to smoke. Other options include "lighted a cigar" or "fired up a cigar".

Is "lit a cigar" formal or informal?

The phrase "lit a cigar" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive writing or narrative.

What are some alternative phrases for describing someone smoking after they have lit a cigar?

Once the cigar is lit, you could say someone is "smoking a cigar", "puffing on a cigar", or "enjoying a cigar". The initial action is best described as "lit a cigar".

Is it grammatically correct to say "lit a cigar"?

Yes, "lit a cigar" is grammatically correct. "Lit" is the past tense of "light" in this context, making it suitable for describing a completed action.