The candle began to light up
I am slightly confused as to how the word "light" and all the forms of it operate.
For example, is "light" in "the candle began to light up" an adjective since it is describing the candle?
Would the same be said for "The candle was lit"?
Top answer
anonymous For example, is "light" in "the candle began to light up" an adjective since it is describing the candle? No. Notice "to".
- anonymous For example, is "light" in "the candle began to light up" an adjective since it is describing the candle?
- No.
- Notice "to".
- It's "to light up", which is an infinitive.
- That means it's a verb.
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anonymousFor example, is "light" in "the candle began to light up" an adjective since it is describing the candle?
No. Notice "to". It's "to light up", which is an infinitive. That means it's a verb.
anonymousWould the same be said for "The candle was lit"?
Depending on the context, this sentence could have a pa
0Is there a trick to know when participials are verbal or adjective? I’m assuming that the word “glowing” and such is always adjectival (e.g the lightening bug was glowing).
0To comment further on this, the sentence, "The candle began to light up.", is improper usage. A face or room can "light up," but not a candle.
The sentence, "The candle was lit.", is okay. For example, "The candle was lit as I entered the room." "Lit" here is the past participle of "light," used adjectivally.
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