before taking cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before taking cover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is advised to seek protection or shelter prior to a specific event or action, often in situations involving danger. Example: "Make sure to assess the situation carefully before taking cover from the incoming storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Hite sets several of his horses free before taking cover.

Independent

Young fighters rush to camouflage the trucks with branches before taking cover in the bush.

The New York Times

They found that as danger approaches, males that linger will make sure their female mates are safe in a burrow before taking cover themselves.

The New York Times - Science

Because the storms are expected to hit after nightfall, officials warned residents they should not wait to see a tornado before taking cover.

The New York Times

Sally Cox told ABC News she heard a "loud popping noise" before taking cover underneath her desk, from where she could see the gunman's feet "20 feet away".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Taking cover before a grenade detonates can literally make the difference between life and death, especially if you're within its lethal range.

WikiHow

A video sent by the witness showed police taking cover behind vehicles and covering their ears before a blast.

Vice

And before the game, six storm troopers sat in the dugout, taking cover from the rain.

The New York Times

Taking cover from the flashbulbs?

The New York Times

Practice taking cover!

WikiHow

She, too, thought it was fireworks before she took cover with a few of her co-workers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone in a dangerous situation, clarify the type of threat they are facing before taking cover, ensuring they choose the most appropriate shelter. For example, specify if the threat is from a tornado, gunfire, or explosion.

Common error

Avoid using "before taking cover" to justify procrastination. The phrase implies imminent danger, so ensure the context genuinely warrants immediate protective action, not simply postponing a task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before taking cover" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the timing or condition under which an action should be performed. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently occurs in safety instructions and narratives of dangerous events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before taking cover" is grammatically correct and advises on the timing of protective actions in the face of danger. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides various examples across different contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wikis, it underscores the need to act promptly. When using this phrase, ensure the context involves imminent danger to warrant immediate action. For less urgent circumstances, alternative phrases such as "prior to seeking refuge" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before seeking shelter

Substitutes "taking cover" with "seeking shelter", a slightly broader term.

prior to seeking refuge

Replaces "taking cover" with "seeking refuge", offering a more formal tone.

before ducking for cover

More specific, implying a quick, physical action of avoiding danger.

ahead of seeking protection

Uses "ahead of" instead of "before" and replaces "taking cover" with "seeking protection".

before retreating to safety

Uses "retreating to safety" instead of "taking cover", implying a withdrawal from a dangerous situation.

before seeking concealment

Replaces "taking cover" with "seeking concealment", focusing on the act of hiding.

in advance of finding safety

Emphasizes the proactive nature of the action by using "in advance of" and replaces "taking cover" with "finding safety".

before finding a safe haven

Implies seeking a secure and protected place.

prior to going into hiding

Replaces "taking cover" with "going into hiding", suggesting a more secretive or desperate situation.

before getting under protection

Highlights external protective measure.

FAQs

What's the difference between "before seeking shelter" and "before taking cover"?

"Before seeking shelter" is a more general term, applicable to various situations. "Before taking cover" implies a more immediate and often dangerous situation, requiring quick protective action.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "before taking cover"?

Use "before taking cover" when there is a clear and present danger requiring immediate action to protect oneself, such as during a storm, attack, or other hazardous events.

What are some alternatives to "before taking cover" in less urgent situations?

In less urgent scenarios, consider using phrases like "prior to seeking refuge", "in advance of finding safety", or simply "before seeking shelter".

Can "before taking cover" be used in a metaphorical sense?

While primarily used in literal contexts involving physical danger, "before taking cover" can be used metaphorically to describe preparing or shielding oneself from criticism, scrutiny, or other forms of adversity. However, ensure the metaphor is clear and appropriate for the context.