be covered with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be covered with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that is densely or partially covered with something else. For example: The snow-covered mountain was covered with a thick layer of fog.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He'll be covered with blankets".

The New York Times - Magazine

They should be covered with butter.

The New York Times - Arts

All the pasta must be covered with water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In a month it will be covered with leaves.

The New York Times

This would be covered with the queen, king and ace.

The New York Times - Arts

"But the whole country can't be covered with memorials.

The New York Times

It must already be covered with indecency laws," he added.

Independent

A specially designed housing was fabricated, which allows the device to be covered with various liquids.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

"You come back 10 minutes later, and it'll be covered with stickers".

The New York Times

Sometimes the camera malfunctions, and sometimes it can be covered with snow or grime.

The New York Times

Several sheets fly into the air, one of which appears to be covered with Arabic script.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be covered with" to describe a surface or object that has something spread or lying over it, whether partially or completely. Choose this phrase when the act of covering is relevant to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "be covered with" when a simpler adjective like "snowy", "dusty", or "leafy" would suffice. For example, instead of "the ground was covered with snow", consider saying "the ground was snowy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be covered with" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject receives a covering. Ludwig examples show it describing physical surfaces and objects receiving a layer or coating.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be covered with" is a grammatically correct and widely used passive construction employed to describe something that has a layer or coating over it. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is found in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and general writing. To enhance clarity, avoid overuse in instances where simpler adjectives are more appropriate. Remember that while similar alternatives exist, such as "be coated in", the choice should depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Considering its versatility and frequency, mastering the usage of "be covered with" can improve descriptive writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be coated in

Emphasizes a thin layer or covering.

be layered with

Highlights the presence of distinct layers.

be blanketed by

Suggests a comprehensive and often thick covering.

be shrouded in

Implies a covering that obscures or conceals.

be immersed in

Suggests being completely surrounded or engulfed.

be adorned with

Focuses on decorative or ornamental covering.

be saturated with

Implies a covering achieved through thorough soaking or penetration.

be cloaked in

Suggests a protective or concealing covering.

be festooned with

Highlights a decorative covering, often with garlands or similar items.

be plastered with

Implies a thick, often messy, covering.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be covered with" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "be coated in", "be layered with", or "be blanketed by" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is there a subtle difference between "be covered with" and "be coated with"?

"Be covered with" generally implies a broader or more substantial covering, while "be coated with" suggests a thinner, more even layer. The choice depends on the specific image you want to evoke.

When is it better to use "be covered in" instead of "be covered with"?

While "be covered in" and ""be covered with"" are often interchangeable, "be covered in" is slightly more informal and can emphasize the extent or messiness of the covering. For instance, "He was covered in mud" implies a more thorough covering than "He was covered with mud".

What are some common things that are typically described as "covered with"?

Common examples include surfaces such as "ground covered with snow", "tables covered with tablecloths", or objects like "cakes covered with frosting" and "gifts covered with wrapping paper".