is covered in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is covered in" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use "is covered in" to describe something that is completely surrounded or coated by something else. For example: - The playground is covered in snow. - Her face is covered in freckles. - The car is covered in mud. - The book is covered in dust. - The streets are covered in fallen leaves.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The country is covered in bunting.

The Economist

The dash, too, is covered in leather.

The New York Times

Jean is covered in goose bumps.

The New Yorker

This is covered in plastic film.

The Economist

Everything is covered in plastic.

The Guardian - Music

The other is covered in taut plastic.

The New York Times

Right now, it is covered in flowers.

The New York Times

The larger room is covered in mattresses.

The New York Times

Sometimes it is covered in graffiti.

The New York Times

The floor is covered in dirt.

The New York Times

"He is covered in his own blood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is covered in" to vividly describe surfaces or objects that are enveloped or coated by a substance or material. This provides a clear and easily understandable image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice. While "is covered in" is passive, ensure the sentence structure doesn't obscure the actor or agent responsible for the covering. Consider rephrasing to active voice for clarity, such as "Snow covers the field" instead of "The field is covered in snow" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is covered in" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is receiving the action of being covered. Ludwig's examples show it describing a state of being, where something is coated or enveloped by something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is covered in" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe a state of being where something is coated or enveloped. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig examples illustrate its prevalence across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While it's generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Consider using related phrases like "is coated with" or "is blanketed by" for variety. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can effectively use "is covered in" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is coated with

This alternative focuses on the act of applying a layer, emphasizing the coating aspect.

is cloaked in

This suggests something is hidden or enveloped, adding a sense of mystery or concealment.

is blanketed by

This implies a thick, uniform covering, similar to a blanket.

is draped in

This suggests a loose, flowing covering, often used for decorative purposes.

is immersed in

This indicates complete submersion or involvement in something.

is saturated with

This implies a thorough soaking or impregnation with a substance.

is layered with

Suggests multiple applications or presence of distinct layers of a material.

is swathed in

Implies being wrapped or enveloped snugly and completely.

is adorned with

This focuses on decoration or embellishment rather than just covering.

is filled with

Refers to the content or substance occupying a space or volume.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is covered in" describes something that has a layer of something else over it. For example, "The ground "is covered in snow"" or "The table "is covered in dust"".

What are some synonyms for "is covered in"?

Alternatives include "is coated with", "is blanketed by", or "is draped in", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "is covered in"?

Using the passive voice with "is covered in" is grammatically correct, but the active voice can sometimes be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The city "is covered in fog"", you could say "Fog covers the city".

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

"Is covered in" implies a surface layer or coating, whereas "is filled with" suggests that something is occupying the entire volume or space of something else. For example, "The box "is covered in stickers"" versus "The box "is filled with toys"".