cove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cove" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to refer to a small, sheltered bay or coastal inlet, often in geographical or descriptive contexts. Example: "The boat anchored safely in the tranquil cove, protected from the rough seas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I read, swam and explored the little caves around the cove.

The Guardian - Travel

italrest.com, from $40 a night This is pretty much the definition of off-the-beaten-track perfection, at the end of a pot-holed lane that peters away into a dirt track overlooking a deserted cove.

The Guardian - Travel

All the restaurants overlook the pool and private cove, and from there pretty walkways lead to the rooms, all of which look out on to the lagoon and the ocean beyond.

The Guardian - Travel

(Turn right for the dunes, left for the nudist cove).

The Guardian - Travel

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Waza) is being taken to a Swiss court by conservationists who accuse it of misleading conduct over its stance on the Taiji dolphin hunts, which gained global attention through the documentary The Cove.

The Guardian

No phone, beachlets.co.uk/property/cyprus-3-bed-beachfront-holiday-villa Good for messing about on the water Sleeps 4 Cost from £1,300 a week Right on the water's edge with fantastic views across to the Greek island of Symi, Askim is one of a trio of modern vine-covered villas along stony Saranda cove.

The Guardian - Travel

But if you want peace and quiet, even in the height of summer, try Carvalhal, an idyllic cove that is rarely crowded.

The Guardian - Travel

From Belongil's rugged, vast golden strip and the location of a former whaling station, to the tiny cove of Wategos where the famous walk up the cliff to the lighthouse begins, each beach has a distinct charm.

The Guardian - Travel

And nothing compares with being rocked to sleep on the ocean in a sheltered cove - although for those unused to boats, it may take a night to adjust to the associated sounds.

The Guardian - Travel

When we ventured out, we were always drawn back to the coast – the gentle sands and shallow bay of Farol beach close to Vila Nova de Milfontes, the rock pools of Almograve or the cove at Carvalhal.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You can do whatever you like at Paradise Cove, even hold a conference (memo to any chief executive: this is one place for an AGM that will make all your staff adore you).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing coastal landscapes, use "cove" to specifically denote a small, sheltered inlet, often with cliffs or high ground offering protection.

Common error

Avoid using "cove" interchangeably with larger bays or harbors; "cove" implies a smaller, more intimate, and often more secluded body of water.

Linguistic Context

Cove primarily functions as a noun, referring to a small, sheltered coastal inlet. It can also function as a proper noun, naming places. As noted by Ludwig, the term is generally accepted and widely used. In some contexts, it also functions as a verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Travel

34%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "cove" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe a small, sheltered coastal inlet or a recess, with occasional use as a verb or proper noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media and travel writing. While the term is generally neutral, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding overgeneralization with larger bodies of water. To enhance your writing, remember to use "cove" when you are referring to smaller sheltered inlet rather than an entire bay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small bay

Replaces "cove" with a more general term for a small, sheltered body of water.

coastal inlet

Emphasizes the geographical feature of a narrow indentation in the coastline.

sheltered harbor

Highlights the protective aspect of a "cove", focusing on its ability to shield boats.

secluded bay

Stresses the privacy and isolation often associated with a "cove".

small recess

Refers to a small indentation, applicable to both coastal and mountainous areas.

hidden inlet

Underscores the aspect of being concealed or not easily visible.

protected anchorage

Focuses on the function of a "cove" as a safe place for ships to anchor.

narrow creek

Describes a narrow, stream-like inlet, similar to some coves.

curved indentation

Highlights the shape of the "cove" in a general sense.

private beach

Emphasizes the potential for exclusivity and limited access often found in a cove.

FAQs

How can I use "cove" in a sentence?

You can use "cove" to describe a small, sheltered bay, as in "The boat sought refuge in the quiet "small bay"." It can also refer to a recess or hollow.

What can I say instead of "cove"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bay", "inlet", "harbor", or "recess".

What is the difference between a "cove" and a "bay"?

A "cove" is typically smaller and more sheltered than a bay. A bay is a broader indentation of the shoreline, while a "cove" is a smaller, often more secluded, inlet.

Is it correct to use "cove" to describe a mountain feature?

Yes, "cove" can also describe a recess or sheltered area on the slopes of a mountain, although its primary association is with coastal inlets.