covered with insect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered with insect" is not correct in English.
It should be "covered with insects." You can use it to describe something that has a layer or coating of multiple insects on its surface. Example: "The old tree was covered with insects, making it look quite uninviting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He bathed with rubbing alcohol, but still his skin was covered with insect bites and infections.

The New York Times

The undercurrent of discomfort bordering on self-loathing that runs through much of Mr. Gordon's work is clearest in "Man in Grass," which portrays an aroused, naked sunbather whose thighs are covered with insect bites.

The New York Times - Arts

Then he hit a gold mine: a disposable, snap-on wristband covered with insect repellent.

Forbes

Infested berries were kept inside square plastic containers (40×40×20 cm) with perforated lids (55 mm diameter) covered with insect gauze.

Plosone

Children are covered with insect bites.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I still make the atrocious faces when I go shopping, and I receive those who come here to buy honey covered with insects, so they go on thinking it's Abraham.

Vice

The Providence-based illustrator (and frequent VICE contributor) regularly depicts women crying over broken hearts, couples looking into each other's eyes mawkishly, and other images reminiscent of Roy Lichtenstein or 50s cartoons but the subjects are generally covered with insects and varicose veins or discharge is erupting from their various orifices.

Vice

One floral bud on each of 20 different plants per population was marked and covered with insect-excluding netting in otherwise natural conditions.

BMC Plant Biology

We had entered a buggy part of the journey, and our windshield was usually covered with splattered insects.

The New Yorker

One of the most memorable scenes from last season was Joba Chamberlain pitching while covered with small insects known as midges during a playoff game in Cleveland.

The New York Times

When her father contracted pneumonia in spring of 2001 and had to be hospitalized, doctors discovered that his body was covered with tiny red insect bites.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the plural form "insects" instead of "insect" when describing something covered by them. For instance, say "covered with insects".

Common error

Avoid using the singular form "insect" after "covered with". It's grammatically incorrect to say "covered with insect" when you mean multiple insects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered with insect" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase attempting to modify a noun. However, based on Ludwig AI feedback and standard English grammar, this construction is generally considered incorrect, as it should use the plural form, "insects".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "covered with insect" appears in some sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI highlights that the correct form is "covered with insects". This phrase is intended to describe something that has multiple insects on its surface. When writing, ensure you use the plural form "insects" for grammatical accuracy. Alternative phrases, such as "infested with insects" or "swarming with insects", might be more appropriate depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infested with insects

Focuses on the infestation aspect rather than a simple covering.

swarming with insects

Emphasizes a large number of insects actively gathering.

overrun by insects

Highlights the insects taking over a space.

coated in insects

Suggests a more thorough and complete covering.

covered in bugs

Uses the more general term 'bugs' instead of 'insects'.

plagued by insects

Emphasizes the negative impact of the insects.

riddled with insects

Suggests the presence of insects throughout the item.

teeming with insects

Highlights a place being full of insect life.

crawling with insects

Emphasizes the movement of insects over a surface.

laden with insects

Implies that the insects are a heavy burden.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "covered with insect"?

No, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "covered with insects" because you're referring to multiple insects.

What is the difference between "covered with insect" and "covered with insects"?

"Covered with insect" is grammatically incorrect because it uses the singular form of "insect" when the context implies multiple insects. "Covered with insects" is the correct way to express that something has multiple insects on its surface.

What can I say instead of "covered with insect"?

Since "covered with insect" is incorrect, use alternatives like "infested with insects" or "swarming with insects" depending on the context.

How do I properly use the phrase "covered with insects" in a sentence?

Use "covered with insects" to describe something that has a layer or coating of multiple insects on it. For example, "The old tree was covered with insects."