are covered in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are covered in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is coated or enveloped by a substance or material. Example: "The cookies are covered in a rich layer of chocolate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are covered in white house paint.

The Economist

The walls are covered in white tiles.

The New York Times

Also, the players are covered in advertisements.

The New Yorker

Its tall walls are covered in graffiti.

The Economist

Lamp posts are covered in skating stickers.

The New York Times - Sports

Some walls are covered in ivy.

The Economist

His boots are covered in dust.

The New York Times - Books

His legs are covered in steel plates.

The Guardian

Dormitory windows are covered in chicken wire.

The New York Times

They are covered in septic spots.

The Guardian - Travel

"His hands are covered in Palestinian blood.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are covered in", ensure that the subject and the covering material are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the area is covered", specify "the area is covered in snow".

Common error

Avoid using "are covered in" excessively in passive constructions. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create more direct and engaging sentences. For example, instead of "The floor is covered in dirt", consider "Dirt covers the floor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are covered in" primarily functions as a descriptive prepositional phrase, indicating that a subject is coated, filled, or layered with something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are covered in" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe something being coated or filled with another substance. As verified by Ludwig, its usage spans diverse contexts, most commonly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use the phrase with clarity and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Alternatives like "are coated with" or "are enveloped in" can provide nuanced variations for more precise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are enveloped in

Emphasizes being completely surrounded or enclosed by something.

are coated with

Focuses on a layer of something being applied to a surface.

are immersed in

Suggests being deeply involved or absorbed in something.

are saturated with

Implies being completely filled or soaked with something.

are filled with

Highlights the presence of something throughout a space or object.

are laden with

Suggests being heavily burdened or weighed down by something.

are steeped in

Implies being infused or saturated with a quality or substance over time.

are suffused with

Emphasizes the spread of something throughout, often a feeling or quality.

are imbued with

Focuses on being filled with a particular quality or characteristic.

are permeated with

Highlights the thorough spread and presence of something throughout.

FAQs

How can I use "are covered in" in a sentence?

You can use "are covered in" to describe something that is coated or filled with something else. For instance, "The mountains "are covered in snow"" or "The documents "are covered in confidential information"".

What are some alternatives to "are covered in"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are coated with", "are enveloped in", or "are filled with", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "are covered in" or "are coated with"?

The choice depends on the context. "Are covered in" suggests a more general and sometimes thicker layer, while "are coated with" implies a thinner, more even layer. For example, you might say "the cake is covered in frosting" but "the metal is coated with paint".

How does "are covered in" differ from "are immersed in"?

"Are covered in" describes a surface being overlaid, while "are immersed in" suggests being completely surrounded or deeply involved. For instance, "the field is covered in flowers", but "the researcher is immersed in the study".