cover up with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cover up with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of concealing something by placing another object over it, often for warmth or protection. Example: "To keep warm during the chilly night, make sure to cover up with a thick blanket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

On the way to and from the party, however, I will cover up with a long light robe or kimono.

The Guardian

They cover up with bluster, with little-boy wheedling, with reminders that all the money and status flows from them.

The New York Times - Sports

It asks that women cover up with a shawl or, in this case, a large napkin out of respect, it says, for other guests.

The Economist

"They should cover up with suitable clothing, be encouraged to spend time in the shade (particularly between 11am and 3pm) and wear sunscreen," the guidance added.

The Guardian

It appears the "sleeping gear" for one person consists of two blankets (one to lie on, one to cover up with) and a pillow.

The New York Times

The survey of 6,000 people found British people liked to be more conservatively dressed on the beach, with 20 per cent preferring to cover up with a towel or t-shirt.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Edwards has denied paying for a cover-up, with money from his campaign or otherwise.

The New York Times

Annual vines can provide a quick and graceful cover-up, with the bonus of seasonlong blooms.

The New York Times - Style

Guardian reveals News of the World cover-up with potentially thousands of victims.

The Guardian

The coats were great — in both senses: big and bold, and also a model cover-up with sense and sensibility.

The New York Times

Turkish officials have described a grisly assassination and cover-up, with Saudi agents dismembering the body for disposal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cover up with" to advise protection from the sun, specify the type of clothing or material for clarity, such as "cover up with a long-sleeved shirt".

Common error

While "cover up with" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "shield with" or "conceal with" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cover up with" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of concealing, protecting, or sheltering something by placing something else over it. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts, from physical protection to concealing errors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

29%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cover up with" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that primarily functions to describe the act of concealing or protecting something by placing something else over it. As supported by Ludwig examples, it is widely found in news, general writing, and how-to guides, indicating a neutral to informal register. While it is grammatically sound and understandable, writers should consider more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and is applicable in a variety of scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceal with

Emphasizes hiding something using another object.

wrap with

Implies tightly enclosing or surrounding something.

shield with

Highlights protecting something from harm or visibility.

blanket with

Focuses on covering something extensively, like a blanket.

drape with

Suggests a casual or decorative way of covering something.

cloak with

Implies a secretive or mysterious covering.

envelop with

Indicates completely surrounding or enclosing something.

mask with

Emphasizes disguising something using a covering.

overlay with

Highlights placing one thing on top of another.

disguise with

Suggests altering the appearance to hide its true form.

FAQs

How can I use "cover up with" in a sentence?

You can use "cover up with" to describe the act of concealing or protecting something by placing something else over it, such as "They advise people to avoid tanning booths, "cover up with" hats and sunglasses, examine skin every month and see a physician for a skin exam every year."

What are some alternatives to "cover up with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "conceal with", "shield with", or "drape with".

Is it more appropriate to say "cover up with" or "wrap up with"?

Both phrases are correct, but "wrap up with" often implies warmth or comfort, while "cover up with" can have a broader meaning of concealing or protecting. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

When should I avoid using "cover up with"?

Avoid using "cover up with" in extremely formal or technical writing where more precise language is preferred. In such cases, consider alternatives like "conceal with" or "mask with".