lit up a cigarette

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lit up a cigarette" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means that someone has used fire to light a cigarette and is now smoking it. For example, "She lit up a cigarette and then blew the smoke out of her window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Relaxing in d'Origny's office before going on stage, Richards lit up a cigarette.

The New Yorker

They could almost have laid back and lit up a cigarette.

The Guardian - Sport

At one point, the amateur dentist lit up a cigarette to smoke as he worked.

The New York Times

Up in the directors' box, Monchi lit up a cigarette and puffed away nervously.

The Guardian - Sport

He then lit up a cigarette and started telling me about how he fled Pulse.

The Guardian

It smelled as if all of Brooklyn had lit up a cigarette.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

They wouldn't hesitate to light up a cigarette, either.

The New York Times

She said lighting up a cigarette was a metaphor for sex.

The New Yorker

He then looked over to see Paspalj lighting up a cigarette.

The New York Times - Sports

Some even get to light up a cigarette out the back.

The Guardian

'At least they know we're here,' Woolford says, lighting up a cigarette.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "lit up a cigarette" to vividly describe the act of someone starting to smoke, adding a specific detail to the scene or character's action.

Common error

While "lit up a cigarette" is descriptive, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "started smoking" or "had a smoke" to prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lit up a cigarette" functions as a verb phrase, specifically describing the action of igniting a cigarette. It provides a vivid detail about someone's action, often indicating a moment of contemplation, stress, or habit, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lit up a cigarette" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that vividly describes the action of igniting a cigarette. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers numerous real-world examples, primarily from News & Media sources. While neutral in register, its usage often adds detail to narratives and reveals character states. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "started smoking" or "had a smoke". The analysis underscores its descriptive power and contextual versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lit a cigarette

Omits the 'up', slightly less emphatic but maintains the core action.

sparked a cigarette

Replaces 'lit' with 'sparked', implying the initial ignition.

fired up a cigarette

Substitutes 'lit' with 'fired up', adding a touch of informality.

kindled a cigarette

Replaces 'lit' with 'kindled', suggesting a gentle ignition process.

got a cigarette going

Rephrases the action as 'got a cigarette going', more descriptive.

started smoking

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

took a drag on a cigarette

Highlights the action of inhaling from the cigarette.

puffed on a cigarette

Emphasizes the act of puffing smoke from the cigarette.

enjoyed a cigarette

Shifts focus to the experience of smoking.

had a smoke

Simplifies the phrase to a more colloquial expression.

FAQs

What does "lit up a cigarette" mean?

The phrase "lit up a cigarette" means to ignite a cigarette, making it ready to smoke. It describes the action of using a lighter or match to set the cigarette on fire.

What can I say instead of "lit up a cigarette"?

You can use alternatives like "lit a cigarette", "started smoking", or "had a smoke", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "light up a cigarette" instead of "lit up a cigarette"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Light up a cigarette" is an instruction or a general statement, while "lit up a cigarette" describes a completed action in the past.

What's the difference between "lighting a cigarette" and "lit up a cigarette"?

"Lighting a cigarette" is the continuous form, describing the action in progress. "Lit up a cigarette" is the past tense, indicating the action is completed. For example, "He was lighting a cigarette" versus "He lit up a cigarette".