Irregular verb
The verb to light
light → lit → lit
B1Meaning: to start a fire or a flame; to give light · Type: irregular · Frequency: Top 100 English verbs
Key points to remember
- Present Simple:
I/you/we/they light·he/she/it lights - Past Simple:
lit(orlighted, less common) - Past participle:
lit(the same as the Past Simple) - -ing form:
lighting
Conjugation of the verb to light
Present Simple
| I | light |
| You | light |
| He / She / It | lights |
| We | light |
| You (pl.) | light |
| They | light |
Past Simple
| I | lit |
| You | lit |
| He / She / It | lit |
| We | lit |
| You (pl.) | lit |
| They | lit |
All the forms of the verb to light
Present Simple
Full pagelight / lights
“I light a candle every evening.”
See the pagePresent Continuous
Full pageam / is / are lighting
“I am lighting a candle right now.”
See the pagePast Simple
Full pagelit
“He lit the candles.”
See the pagePast Continuous
Full pagewas / were lighting
“I was lighting a candle when the phone rang.”
See the pagePresent Perfect
Full pagehave / has lit
“I have already lit a candle.”
See the pagePast Perfect
Full pagehad lit
“She had already lit a candle when I arrived.”
See the pageFuture Simple
Full pagewill light
“I will light a candle tomorrow.”
See the pageGoing to Future
Full pageam / is / are going to light
“I'm going to light a candle this weekend.”
See the pageConditional (would)
Full pagewould light
“I would light a candle if I had time.”
See the pageHow to use to light
1. Lighting a candle or a fire
- He lit a candle.
- Light the fire.
2. Giving light to a place
Here, light means to fill a place with light. Light up can also mean to make someone or something look happy.
- The street is well-lit.
- Her smile lit up the room.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Light: three meanings
Light can be a verb (to start a flame), a noun (the light from the sun or a lamp) or an adjective (a light bag = not heavy; light blue = pale blue). Same word, different contexts.
2. Lit in slang = great
In modern slang, That party was lit! means the party was great. Here, lit is an adjective, not the past participle of light.
What's next?
You can conjugate to light. Now say it out loud.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past simple of light?+
The Past Simple of light is lit (the usual form) or lighted (less common). The past participle is lit. Light → lit → lit. Most people say lit.
Is it lit or lighted?+
Lit is the most common form of the Past Simple and the past participle. Lighted is the regular form. It is less common, and you see it mostly as an adjective before a noun: a lighted candle. For the verb, choose lit.
Is it turn on or switch on the light?+
Say turn on the light (the most common) or switch on the light. Not light the light. The verb light is for flames: a candle, a fire or a match.
What are the meanings of light?+
Light can be (1) a verb: to start a flame (light a candle), (2) a noun: what comes from the sun or a lamp (the light), or (3) an adjective: not heavy (a light bag) or pale (light blue). One word, three jobs.
What does that's lit mean?+
In modern slang, lit means great, exciting or really cool. That party was lit! It is very informal, and young people use it most.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/light
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.