cover each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"cover each other" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe two or more people or things providing assistance or protection to each other. For example, "The soldiers leaned over the wall and covered each other while firing their guns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

We definitely cover each other.

The New York Times - Sports

"Then you tell two lies, to cover each other.

The New Yorker

John Terry and Matthew Upson must stay close and cover each other, always anticipating possible error.

The Guardian - Sport

"We all work to cover each other when we need to.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It all started with a J'Ouvert party, where festival goers cover each other in paint and power.

The Guardian

Tuck added, "Nine times out of 10, we'll cover each other up if someone makes a mistake".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Make sure they cover each others' weaknesses, too.

WikiHow

Rather, it's up to the players to "cover" each others' bets by wagering against each other.

WikiHow

For the previous two years, they had, in the words of a McCain staff member, "covered each other's backs" in a political combat over the missing Americans.

The New Yorker

Or there's the case of the identical twins who had redis covered each other after a sep aration of 20‐odd years, writ ten a book, come to the A.B.A. and been attended by an ex travagant splash.

The New York Times

That night, he slept in Simone's bed; they covered each other's mouths to stop their moans from waking the child, and made love for hours, violently at times, as if loving each other were the only thing they knew how to do.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing teamwork, use "cover each other" to emphasize mutual support and shared responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "cover each other" when the context implies only one-sided support. The phrase suggests a reciprocal relationship, so ensure that both parties are actively providing assistance or protection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cover each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase. It describes a situation where two or more entities are performing the same action in support of one another. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cover each other" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe mutual support and protection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and highlights its widespread presence in news, science, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context implies a reciprocal action. Alternatives like "protect one another" or "support one another" can be used depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect one another

Replaces "cover" with "protect", emphasizing the defensive aspect. It is closely related in meaning and application.

back each other up

An idiomatic expression conveying the idea of providing support or assistance, particularly in challenging situations. Uses a phrasal verb with 'back'.

look out for each other

Emphasizes vigilance and care for each other's well-being, offering a slightly different perspective. Implies proactive protection.

support one another

Focuses on providing assistance and encouragement, a broader concept than just protection. Therefore it has less similarity.

watch over each other

Suggests a guardian-like role, providing constant supervision and protection, which can be specific to protection.

help each other out

An informal way of expressing mutual assistance. Adds 'out' to the expression, giving it a colloquial tone.

assist one another

Focuses on the act of providing help or aid, differing from covering or protecting. It's a reciprocal exchange.

mutually support

A more formal way of saying support each other, useful in academic or business settings. It has a different word order.

provide mutual aid

Formal and emphasizes a systematic or organized approach to helping one another. Is oriented on mutual aid action.

reciprocate support

Highlights the mutual exchange of assistance, which is focused on a mutual action.

FAQs

How can I use "cover each other" in a sentence?

You can use "cover each other" to describe situations where individuals or groups provide mutual support or protection, such as "The soldiers leaned over the wall and covered each other while firing their guns".

What's a good alternative to "cover each other"?

Alternatives include "protect one another", "support one another", or "back each other up", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "cover one another" instead of "cover each other"?

Yes, "cover one another" is also correct and carries the same meaning as "cover each other". Both phrases indicate a reciprocal action.

What does "cover each other's backs" mean?

"Cover each other's backs" means to protect or support someone, especially by watching out for potential dangers or problems. It's similar to saying "look out for each other".