The material on a match-stick

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please tell me the spicific name of the material (that we burn by striking) at the end of a match-stick?

1- The ----------of the match-stick was wet, therefore, it could not be lighted!

Tom

[Conchita]

Wow, what a comeback, Tom -- you've been busy as a bee!

I think it's sulphur, but am not quite sure. What I do know for certain is that breathing it in is unhealthy.

[Torsten]

So, which do you prefer -- the match stick was lighted or the match stick was lit?
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Conchita]

[Tom]

M.Swan suggests that lighted is better as the third form of a verb whereas lit is better as an adjective.

1- The candles have been lighted.
2- Dimly-lit rooms.

What is your opinion?

Tom

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

I wouldn't worry about the specific material at all. Instead I'd say:

The head of the matchstick was wet, therefore, it could not be lit/lighted!

By the way, check your spelling:

specific

Amy

[Conchita]

Here’s a bit more on matches:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Match

http://www.du.edu/~jcalvert/phys/phosphor.htm