be covered in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be covered in" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is coated or enveloped by a substance. An example is: "The car was covered in snow after the storm." Alternative expressions include "be coated with" and "be enveloped in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be covered in anthrax.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Everything seemed to be covered in soot.

The New York Times

Some sections might be covered in water.

The New York Times

I like to be covered in dirt.

The Guardian

What should be covered in more detail?

Nature

It will also be covered in class.

Stanford University

They will be covered in Chapter 53.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Petersen recommended that miles be covered in wills.

The New York Times

And, anyway, your footprints will soon be covered in snow.

The Guardian - Travel

It would be covered in fur, not hard plastic.

The New York Times - Tech

Parents who adopt will also be covered in the provisions.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be covered in" to vividly describe a surface that is thoroughly coated or filled with something. It adds a sense of completeness and visual impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be covered in" metaphorically when a more precise verb would be appropriate. Reserve it for instances where a physical covering is implied, ensuring clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be covered in" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being covered. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase is used to describe a state of being, such as "be covered in dirt" or "be covered in snow."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

31%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be covered in" is a versatile and commonly used phrase functioning as a passive verb to vividly describe something being coated or enveloped. According to Ludwig, it maintains a neutral register and finds frequent application across news, academic, and scientific contexts. Writers should prioritize its use in scenarios that literally involve a physical covering, avoiding overuse in abstract contexts, and considering alternatives like "be coated with" for greater precision. Ludwig’s analysis affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be coated with

Focuses more on a thin layer or coating, suggesting less intensity than "be covered in".

be blanketed by

Implies a complete and often uniform covering, usually of a soft material.

be immersed in

Suggests being deeply involved or surrounded, often metaphorically.

be filled with

Emphasizes the act of being full or abundant with something rather than a surface covering.

be heaped with

Implies a generous or excessive amount of something piled on top.

be laden with

Suggests a heavy or burdensome covering or filling.

be saturated with

Focuses on the state of being thoroughly wet or soaked with something.

be steeped in

Implies being deeply penetrated or infused with something, often figuratively.

be draped in

Suggests a loose and often decorative covering.

be masked by

Indicates something is hidden or obscured by a covering.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be covered in" is used to describe something that has a layer or coating of a substance. For example, "The ground was "covered in snow"" or "The table was "covered in dust"".

What's a good alternative to "be covered in"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be coated with", "be blanketed by", or "be immersed in" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "become covered in"?

Yes, "become covered in" is grammatically correct and indicates a process of something becoming covered. It emphasizes the change in state, as in "The path soon "became covered in" leaves".

What's the difference between "be covered in" and "be filled with"?

"Be covered in" suggests a surface coating, while "be filled with" implies that the interior is full. For example, "The cake was covered in frosting" versus "The box was filled with toys".