covered with dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered with dust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been left untouched and is covered with a layer of dust. For example, "The shelves in the attic were covered with dust, as if they hadn't been touched in years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A guitar and amplifier, covered with dust.

The Guardian - Books

It is covered with dust now.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

People were covered with dust and debris".

The Guardian

Everything was covered with dust and cobwebs.

The New York Times

The room was covered with dust.

The New Yorker

Several other people were bleeding and covered with dust.

The New York Times

The book is thick and black and covered with dust.

The Guardian - Books

My family is buried and covered with dust.

The New York Times

A big man came running up, covered with dust and sweat.

The Guardian

"You were covered with dust, but you still had to wear a suit," Gouzer recalls.

The New Yorker

They appear rock-steady when projected, and don't get scratched or covered with dust and hair.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "covered with dust" to vividly describe objects or environments that have been neglected or undisturbed for a period. This phrase enhances the imagery and provides a sensory detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "covered with dust" for items that simply have a light dusting. This phrase implies a significant accumulation of dust, suggesting neglect or disuse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered with dust" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is coated or layered with dust. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "covered with dust" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe items or surfaces layered with dust. It serves to create a vivid image, often suggesting neglect or age. It is acceptable for use in both formal and informal contexts, and its frequency is particularly high in news and media sources, as shown by Ludwig. Alternatives like "coated in dust", "layered with dust", and "dusted over" offer subtle variations in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coated in dust

Replaces "covered" with "coated", suggesting a more even layer of dust.

layered with dust

Emphasizes the presence of a distinct layer of dust.

dusted over

More concise way of saying something has a light covering of dust.

powdered with dust

Implies a fine, powdery layer of dust.

grimed with dust

Suggests the dust is embedded and harder to remove.

mantled in dust

Creates a more evocative image of being enveloped by dust.

overlaid with dust

Implies the dust is lying on top of something else.

smothered in dust

Suggests a thick layer of dust that obscures what's underneath.

veiled in dust

Emphasizes the obscuring effect of the dust.

befouled with dust

Indicates that the dust has made something dirty or impure.

FAQs

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

You can use "covered with dust" to describe objects or surfaces that have been left untouched for a while. For instance, "The old books in the attic were "coated in dust"".

What's the difference between "covered with dust" and "covered in dust"?

While both phrases are similar, "covered with dust" is more common and widely accepted. "Covered in dust" is also grammatically correct, but less frequently used.

What are some synonyms for "covered with dust"?

Alternatives include "dusted over", "layered with dust", or "coated in dust", each conveying a slightly different nuance in the amount or type of dust.

Is it appropriate to use "covered with dust" in formal writing?

Yes, "covered with dust" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing, as it is a descriptive and commonly understood phrase. The choice depends more on the overall tone and context of your writing.