be covered with a

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Course material will be covered with a mixture of case studies, lectures, and guest speakers.

Cornell University

Leg soft tissue defects with bone or tendon exposure need to be covered with a flap.

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Each piece should be covered with a natural-fiber sheet or blanket.

The New York Times

That is why the ground should be covered with a vapor barrier such as plastic sheets.

The New York Times

It had to be covered with a garland of laurel leaves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then that would be covered with a plastic bag (not included) to keep the soil moist.

The New York Times

Colonies may secrete extensive calcium carbonate skeletons (coenosteum) or be covered with a flexible chitinous exoskeleton (perisarc).

University of California, Berkeley

The cabinet floor may be covered with a piece of asbestos paper, whose length and width are approximately 2.5 cm.

Cornell University

But the exterior of that part of the building would be covered with a lattice of artistically designed metalwork.

The New York Times

To improve their superficial properties, they can be covered with a hard and wear resistant protective layer.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The garment should be covered with a dust cover made of cotton or muslin, archival Tyvek or silk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be covered with a", ensure the noun following "with a" is concrete and specific. For instance, "The ground was covered with a thick layer of snow" is more effective than "The ground was covered with a lot of stuff".

Common error

Avoid using "be covered with a" with overly abstract nouns. Saying "The report was covered with a lack of detail" is awkward. Instead, revise to a more direct statement like, "The report lacked detail."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be covered with a" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is acted upon, receiving a covering or layer. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples show its widespread use in describing the physical appearance or state of an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

12.5%

Formal & Business

6.25%

Reference

6.25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be covered with a" is a grammatically sound and versatile passive construction widely used to describe something having a layer or coating. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's appropriate across various registers, from neutral news reporting to scientific descriptions. While very common in English, be mindful of using concrete nouns and avoiding overuse with abstract concepts for maximum clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be coated with a

Focuses on the application of a layer or substance onto a surface.

be layered with a

Emphasizes the presence of distinct levels or strata.

be draped with a

Suggests a covering that is loosely arranged or hung.

be cloaked in a

Implies a concealing or enveloping effect.

be enshrouded in a

Conveys a sense of being deeply enveloped or obscured.

be sheathed in a

Indicates a protective or structural covering.

be blanketed with a

Suggests a comprehensive and uniform covering, like a blanket.

be masked by a

Highlights the concealment or obscuring of something.

be overlaid with a

Focuses on one thing lying on top of another.

be veneered with a

Implies a thin, decorative layer applied to a surface.

FAQs

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

Use "be covered with a" to describe something that has a layer or coating over it. For example, "The table was "be covered with a" tablecloth" or "The ground "be covered with a" blanket of snow".

What are some alternatives to "be covered with a"?

Alternatives include "be coated with a", "be layered with a", or "be draped with a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "be covered with a" in a sentence?

No, sometimes a more direct verb can be more concise and impactful. Instead of "The wall "be covered with a" graffiti", consider "The wall was defaced by graffiti".

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

"Be covered with a" implies an external layer or coating, while "be filled with" suggests that something is inside and occupies the volume. For example, "The box was "be filled with" toys", not "The box "be covered with a" toys".