cover something with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cover something with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of placing a layer or substance over an object or surface. Example: "To protect the furniture, cover it with a cloth before painting the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You can use chalk if you cover something with blackboard paint first, but spritz it with hairspray to prevent smudging en route to university.

Independent

With the toilet paper cover something with it entirely.

WikiHow

Look for anything that you can use for cover (something with a solid "wall" and no slits or holes large enough to allow a dart to pass): a bed, chair, box, bookshelf, pillow, etc. Get these things between you and the direction the enemy will approach from.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Covering something with Varnish would cause mistakes to appear clearly (Remember sanding along the wood grain).

WikiHow

The government's press office in Islamabad sent out a string of mixed messages, telling me the trip was "very dangerous" yet repeatedly talking about how wonderful the Kalash were and how thrilled the government was to see journalists coming to the country to cover something other than the war with the Taliban.

The Guardian - Travel

If they're all from some decades past, this may indicate a copied essay––even when a topic covers something solely to do with another era, such as hairstyles of the 70s, there should be at least one recent reference from a more up-to-date writer included.

WikiHow

Along with the cover, something readers will first see is your description, so make the description detailed and interesting.

WikiHow

Pour 200g flour into the jar, add an equal weight of cool or tepid water, mix well and cover with something porous, such as kitchen towel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cover with something of your choice.

WikiHow

There was a long dance break on the record and Jacques felt she should cover it with something, something Eartha-esque.

Huffington Post

Every surface is covered with something; even the telephone is splattered with paint.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, specify the type of material to use when you "cover something with" it to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Cover the cake with frosting" is clearer than "Cover the cake with something."

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of the phrase "cover something with" in descriptive writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "coat", "overlay", or more descriptive verbs to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cover something with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of applying a substance or material over an object. It describes the process of providing a layer or coating, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cover something with" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe applying a layer or substance to an object. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across different contexts, including how-to guides, news, and academic writing. While versatile, it's essential to vary your language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "coat something in" or "overlay something with" for stylistic variation. Although generally neutral in tone, the context dictates the overall formality. Be mindful to specify the material when providing instructions, for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coat something in

Uses a different verb to describe the action of applying a layer, suggesting a more thorough or even application.

overlay something with

Implies placing something on top of something else, often suggesting a decorative or functional layer.

spread something over

Suggests a broader distribution across the surface, rather than a complete encasing.

apply something to

A more general phrase for putting something onto a surface, lacking the specific sense of covering.

top something with

Specifically refers to covering the top surface of something.

envelop something in

Suggests completely surrounding or wrapping something.

wrap something with

Implies using flexible materials to enclose or protect an object.

sheathe something in

Suggests covering something in a protective layer.

blanket something with

Emphasizes a thick or complete covering, similar to a blanket.

dress something with

Often used when covering food, but can refer to other things in a decorative sense.

FAQs

How do I use "cover something with" in a sentence?

Use "cover something with" to describe the action of placing a layer or substance over an object or surface. For example, "Cover the table with a tablecloth" or "Cover the walls with paint".

What's a more formal alternative to "cover something with"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "coat something in" or "apply a layer of something to" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to say "cover something by" instead of "cover something with"?

No, "cover something by" is not grammatically correct in this context. The correct preposition to use is "with". Use "cover something "with"".

Can I use "cover something in" instead of "cover something with"?

While "cover something in" is sometimes used informally, "cover something "with"" is generally preferred in more formal or precise writing.