Bright Landings: From Birds to Birthday Candles

Alighted vs Lighted

Let’s learn about two words: alighted and lighted. These words sound similar, but they have different meanings. We will also learn how to remember the difference between them. Let’s start!

History

• Alighted: This word comes from old English and has been used for a long time. It means to come down and land, like when a bird sits on a tree branch.
• Lighted: This word is also from old English. It means to make something bright, like lighting a candle or turning on a lamp.

How to Use Them

Alighted

• The bird alighted on the tree branch.
• The plane alighted on the runway safely.
• The butterfly alighted on the flower gently.
• She alighted from the bus with a smile.
• The cat alighted from the fence quietly.

Lighted

• She lighted the candles for the birthday cake.
• The street was lighted by the street lamps.
• He lighted a fire in the fireplace to keep warm.
• They lighted a lantern for the camping trip.
• The room was lighted when she turned on the light switch.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of the word alighted as a bird coming down and landing. Think of lighted as making something bright with light.

Summary

Remember, alighted is about landing or getting off, like getting off a bus. Lighted is about making something bright, like turning on a light. With practice, you will know when to use each word correctly. Keep practicing and you will do great!