at cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at cover" is not correct and does not have a clear meaning in written English.
Without context, it is difficult to determine when it could be used, as it does not form a recognizable expression. Example: "The document was left at cover" does not convey a clear message.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It drops agonisingly short of Anderson at cover.

The Guardian - Sport

A pre-keeping De Villiers (dirty blonde locks flowing) is stationed at cover.

The Guardian - Sport

Surkari was well caught by Collingwood away to his left at cover, driving at Yardy.

The Guardian - Sport

The front foot drive, however graceful, is always incomplete if it's intercepted at cover.

The Guardian - Sport

Alfonso Thomas, on 32, scooped a catch to Burns at cover to give Jade Dernbach a richly deserved five-fer.

Independent

Smith whips a single away to fine leg and Haddin one to a diving Rankin at cover.

The Guardian - Sport

Cook was eventually well caught by Glenn Maxwell at cover for 35 to bring Stokes to the crease.

The Guardian - Sport

Harris c Anderson b Stokes 22 (Australia 325-8) An uppish drive flies straight to Anderson at cover.

The Guardian - Sport

Including shipping charges, only the most expensive books or large orders are now cheaper online than at cover price.

The New York Times

Having completed his 50 from 35 balls, Simmons then directed a full toss from Hardik Pandya to Ashwin at cover.

The Guardian - Sport

Anamul then stands tall and cuts a short, wide bit o' filth to the boundary at cover.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing or clarifying when writing for a general audience to avoid confusion about whether "at cover" means the fielding position or the general meaning of "protected by".

Common error

Avoid using "at cover" outside of cricket or similar sports contexts, as its meaning may not be clear to the average reader. Always strive for clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "at cover" is as a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of place, specifying a location or position, especially in sports contexts. Ludwig AI, however, marks this phrase as grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at cover" is most commonly encountered in the context of sports journalism, specifically cricket, to denote a fielding position. Despite its frequent appearance in reputable news sources like The Guardian and BBC, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. While the phrase is widely understood within its specific domain, it's essential to recognize that its grammatical status is questionable. If your goal is writing with formal tone, using alternative phrases like "under cover" might be more appropriate to ensure clarity and correctness for a broader audience. Therefore, although "at cover" might be acceptable in certain contexts, exercising caution in its usage is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under cover

This alternative indicates concealment or protection.

in concealment

Emphasizes the act of hiding something.

protected by

Highlights the state of being shielded or defended.

hidden by

Focuses on the act of being obscured.

concealed by

Similar to 'hidden by' but slightly more formal.

veiled by

Suggests a more delicate or subtle form of covering.

screened by

Implies that something is being blocked from view.

masked by

Suggests that something is disguised or its true nature is hidden.

sheltered by

Focuses on providing refuge or protection.

behind the facade

Indicates a hidden reality or true nature.

FAQs

Is "at cover" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "at cover" is grammatically incorrect. While frequently used in sports journalism, it doesn't adhere to standard English grammar rules.

What does "at cover" mean in cricket?

In cricket, "at cover" refers to a specific fielding position on the off side, typically a short distance from the batter. Fielders positioned here are known as covers.

Are there alternatives to "at cover" that are grammatically correct?

Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives such as "under cover", "in concealment", or "protected by" might be more appropriate.

Why is "at cover" so frequently used if it's grammatically questionable?

Its frequent use stems from its established meaning within specific contexts, such as sports journalism, where it serves as a shorthand for describing fielding positions.