What are the definitions of “light up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Light or start smoking a cigarette.
Asif LIT UP as soon as he got out of the building.
- 2Illuminate.
They LIGHT UP the streets at Christmas time.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “light up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb light up is to illuminate something, such as turning on a light or making a place brighter. It can also mean to start smoking a cigarette.
What are the different verb forms of “light up”?
| Root Verb | light up |
| Third Person Singular Present | lights up |
| Present Participle | lighting up |
| Simple Past | lit up |
| Past Participle | lit up |
Example
She lights up the room with her smile.
Example
The city lights up at night with all the skyscrapers.
Example
He is lighting up the candles for the birthday cake.
Example
The fireworks lit up the sky on New Year's Eve.
Example
The Christmas tree was lit up with colorful lights.
What kind of phrasal verb is “light up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“light up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She lit up a cigarette.
Example
The streetlights light up the road at night.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“light up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She lit up a cigarette.
Example
The streetlights light up the road at night.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “light up”?
Good things to know
Does “light up” have an informal or formal tone?
Light up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
