covered in dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered in dust" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe an object or area that has a significant amount of dust, for example: "The attic was filled with forgotten items that were covered in dust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Covered in dust?

The New York Times - Food

His face was covered in dust.

The New York Times - Magazine

His boots are covered in dust.

The New York Times - Books

The floor is covered in dust.

The Guardian

Others lay on the ground covered in dust.

The New York Times

A coalman, for the permission to be covered in dust.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The top of the fridge is covered in dust.

The New Yorker

Old men beg beside the road, covered in dust.

The New York Times

Her eyes were closed, her tiny face covered in dust.

The New Yorker

Silky-smooth highways give way to potholed streets lined with abandoned vehicles covered in dust.

The Guardian

In one photograph, a boy covered in dust is just toe-deep into his splash.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting or object, use vivid adjectives in conjunction with "covered in dust" to enhance the imagery. For example, "The antique furniture, covered in a thick layer of dust, hinted at decades of neglect."

Common error

Avoid using "covered in dust" with abstract nouns. It is more appropriate for tangible objects or surfaces. Instead of "covered in dust of memories", try "haunted by memories".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered in dust" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the presence of dust on its surface. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covered in dust" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something coated with dust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, serving to add detail and imagery to descriptions. While versatile, it is best used with tangible nouns and can be enhanced with vivid adjectives. Alternative phrases like "coated with dust" or "dusted with" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By using the phrase thoughtfully, writers can effectively convey a sense of neglect, age, or simple disuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coated with dust

Replaces "covered" with "coated", implying a more even and deliberate layering of dust.

dusted with

Uses "dusted" to suggest a light and sparse covering of dust.

layered with dust

Emphasizes the presence of a distinct layer of dust.

smothered in dust

Indicates a thick and overwhelming covering of dust.

mantled with dust

Implies a cloak-like covering of dust, adding a sense of age or abandonment.

grimed with dust

Suggests that the dust has become ingrained or dirty, sticking firmly to the surface.

powdered with dust

Similar to "dusted", but suggests a finer consistency of dust.

befouled with dust

Adds a negative connotation, implying that the dust has made something dirty or impure.

encrusted with dust

Suggests a hard, built-up layer of dust.

festooned with dust

Suggests dust is draped or adorned, often in a decorative but neglected way.

FAQs

How can I use "covered in dust" in a sentence?

You can use "covered in dust" to describe an object, person, or place that has a layer of dust on its surface. For example, "The old books in the attic were "covered in dust".".

What are some synonyms for "covered in dust"?

Some synonyms include "coated with dust", "dusted with", or "layered with dust". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "covered in dust" or "covered with dust"?

Both "covered in dust" and "covered with dust" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. However, "covered in dust" is slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What does it mean when something is described as "covered in dust"?

When something is described as "covered in dust", it typically implies that it has been sitting undisturbed for a while, suggesting neglect, age, or abandonment.