cover in place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cover in place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is meant to be protected or concealed without being moved or removed. Example: "During the storm, we decided to cover in place the outdoor furniture to prevent any damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Your student accommodation might already have a basic level of contents cover in place.

Independent

Aside from Chanda's fleeting glimpse, An kept his cover in place after 1975.

The New Yorker

If you have dependants, getting appropriate life cover in place should feature pretty high on the financial priority list.

The Guardian - Money

Only 21% had some form of life cover in place to help cover the costs of their funeral.

The Guardian - Money

Making the most of Ms. Bundchen, the issue also has her on the back cover in place of an advertisement.

The New York Times

The chances are your business assets are more valuable than you think, so you may well need to reassess the overall level of cover in place.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Fold the cover back in place.

WikiHow

Push the cover back in place.

WikiHow

Make sure stray wires are secured away from fans, then put the cover back in place.

WikiHow

The crust consists of Neoproterozoic cover, in places more than 5 km thick, over crystalline basement with the Moho at depths of 13 14 s TWT (∼ 40 42 km).

Tectonophysics

Afterward, the rhizotron was closed by putting the cover plate back in place.

Analytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to protect an item during a specific event, use "cover in place" to clearly communicate that the protection should remain on the item without being removed or adjusted. For example: "During the fireworks display, we will cover in place the equipment to prevent any damage from sparks".

Common error

Avoid using "cover in place" when the action requires more than just covering; ensure that the protective measure fully addresses the potential risks. A simple "cover in place" might not be enough for a hazardous spill that requires containment and cleanup.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cover in place" functions as a verb phrase, often used in imperative sentences or instructions. It describes the action of providing or maintaining protection to something without relocating it. The phrase is correct and usable according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cover in place" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the action of providing or maintaining protection without relocating the object or individual being protected. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki articles, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that the protective measure adequately addresses the potential risks and consider alternatives like "retain cover" or "maintain protection" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain cover

Focuses on keeping a protective layer or element in its current location.

ensure coverage

Highlights the act of making sure something is protected or included.

secure in position

Focuses on the act of firmly fixing something, rather than necessarily concealing it.

fasten securely

Stresses the act of attaching something firmly, often to prevent movement.

maintain protection

Emphasizes the continuation of a protective state.

anchor firmly

Implies fixing something deeply and securely, providing stability.

keep sheltered

Highlights providing shelter or refuge, often from adverse conditions.

shield effectively

Emphasizes the successful protection from harm or unwanted elements.

leave undisturbed

Stresses avoiding any alteration or disruption to the current state.

hold steady

Implies maintaining a stable or unwavering condition.

FAQs

How can I use "cover in place" in a sentence?

You can use "cover in place" to describe the action of protecting something without moving it. For example, "During the drill, students were instructed to "cover in place" their heads with their arms."

What is a synonym for "cover in place"?

While there isn't a single perfect synonym, you could use phrases like "keep sheltered", "retain cover", or "maintain protection" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "covering in place" instead of "cover in place"?

While "covering in place" might be understood, "cover in place" is more idiomatic and grammatically standard in most contexts. The gerund form emphasizes the action, whereas the base form is more direct and common.

When is it appropriate to use "cover in place" versus other protective measures?

"Cover in place" is suitable when the goal is simple protection without relocation. For example, use it to describe sheltering furniture during painting, rather than moving it out of the room. For more complex scenarios like a chemical spill use something stronger.