covered with sweat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered with sweat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is sweating heavily, often due to physical exertion or heat. Example: "After running the marathon, she was completely covered with sweat, her clothes clinging to her skin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I was covered with sweat.

The New Yorker

His jersey was covered with sweat stains.

The New York Times - Sports

His face was flushed and covered with sweat.

The New Yorker

His angular face was pale and covered with sweat.

The New York Times

The mule had a steady gait, but my uncle was hot and thirsty and covered with sweat; his head and backside ached.

The New Yorker

Reviewing the film for The New York Times in 1959, Bosley Crowther called him "a handsome, virile Orpheus who glistens when covered with sweat," but denigrated his performance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

For the migration into sweat, rubber granulate was covered with artificial sweat and left to stand in a Petri dish for 2 h at 37 °C.

Nature

"I'm covered with sand and sweat," Agoos recalled recently.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Guardian

He is still catching his breath from the dancing, and his face is covered with a fine sweat.

The New Yorker

They'd let time pass, checking their watches now and again as their faces became covered with beads of sweat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's physical state in a story, use "covered with sweat" to vividly convey exertion, heat, or anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "covered with sweat" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more clinical or restrained language like "perspiring" or "experiencing diaphoresis" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered with sweat" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state. It vividly portrays a physical condition resulting from exertion, heat, or stress. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covered with sweat" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to vividly describe a state of heavy perspiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, the phrase effectively conveys physical exertion, heat, or anxiety. While generally neutral in register, formal writing may benefit from more clinical alternatives. Remember to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use "covered with sweat" or a more refined substitute such as "drenched in sweat" or "soaked with sweat".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drenched in sweat

Emphasizes the saturation aspect of sweat, implying a higher degree of wetness.

soaked in sweat

Similar to drenched, highlighting the absorption of sweat into clothing or skin.

saturated with sweat

Similar to soaked, but implies a complete filling or permeation with sweat.

dripping with sweat

Emphasizes the dripping or running of sweat due to its abundance.

perspiring profusely

Focuses on the act of sweating heavily rather than the state of being covered.

bathed in sweat

Suggests being immersed or enveloped in sweat, often due to extreme exertion.

sweating buckets

An idiomatic expression indicating a large amount of sweat produced.

glistening with sweat

Highlights the shiny appearance of skin due to a thin layer of sweat.

awash in perspiration

A more formal way of saying covered in sweat, using the word perspiration.

exuding sweat

Highlights the act of emitting sweat, often implying exertion or nervousness.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "covered with sweat"?

Being "covered with sweat" means that someone is heavily perspiring, typically due to physical exertion, high temperatures, or nervousness. It suggests a significant amount of sweat is present on the skin and clothing.

What are some alternatives to saying "covered with sweat"?

You can use alternatives like "drenched in sweat", "soaked in sweat", or "glistening with sweat" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "covered with sweat" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable way to describe someone who is heavily perspiring.

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

You can use "covered with sweat" to describe someone's appearance after physical activity, for example: "After the intense workout, he was completely "covered with sweat"."