lit a cigarette

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lit a cigarette" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of igniting a cigarette for smoking. Example: "After a long day at work, he stepped outside and lit a cigarette to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Zhu lit a cigarette.

The New Yorker

He lit a cigarette.

The New York Times

She lit a cigarette.

The New Yorker

I lit a cigarette.

The New Yorker

Mr. Jansen lit a cigarette.

The New Yorker

One lit a cigarette.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

He lighted a cigarette.

The New York Times - Magazine

I lighted a cigarette.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Sokolowski lighted a cigarette.

The New York Times

She lights a cigarette.

The Guardian - Film

Cassavetes lighted a cigarette.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's action, use "lit a cigarette" to convey a sense of stress, contemplation, or defiance.

Common error

While "lit a cigarette" is acceptable, consider the context. In health-related articles or settings, it's better to focus on the health implications of smoking, rather than normalizing the act of lighting up.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lit a cigarette" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of igniting a cigarette. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showing it used to depict characters' actions or to set a scene.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lit a cigarette" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of igniting a cigarette. As Ludwig AI indicates, it frequently appears in news and media, often conveying a sense of stress, contemplation, or rebellion. While versatile, it's advisable to be mindful of the context, especially in health-conscious settings, where alternative phrasing might be more appropriate. Consider related phrases like "sparked a cigarette" or "ignited a cigarette" for variations in style and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparked a cigarette

Replaces "lit" with "sparked", focusing on the initial ignition.

ignited a cigarette

Substitutes "lit" with "ignited", highlighting the act of setting the cigarette on fire.

fired up a cigarette

Uses a more casual expression, "fired up", instead of "lit".

touched a match to a cigarette

Describes the action more explicitly, using "touched a match to" instead of "lit".

put a flame to a cigarette

Similar to "touched a match to", but uses "put a flame to" for emphasis.

had a smoke

Focuses on the act of smoking rather than lighting the cigarette.

started smoking a cigarette

Emphasizes the beginning of the smoking action.

took a drag of a cigarette

Highlights the inhalation aspect of smoking after lighting the cigarette.

torched a cigarette

More slang alternative to "lit a cigarette"

took out a cigarette

Suggests the action just before lighting a cigarette.

FAQs

How can I use "lit a cigarette" in a sentence?

You can use "lit a cigarette" to describe someone starting to smoke. For example: "After the argument, she stepped outside and "lit a cigarette"."

What are some alternatives to saying "lit a cigarette"?

Some alternatives include "sparked a cigarette", "ignited a cigarette", or "fired up a cigarette", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "lit a cigarette"?

While grammatically correct, using "lit a cigarette" may be inappropriate in contexts promoting health or discouraging smoking. Consider the sensitivity of your audience and the message you intend to convey.

What does "lit a cigarette" imply about a character in literature?

In literature, "lit a cigarette" often suggests stress, contemplation, or a rebellious attitude. It can also be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere.