little cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little cover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of protection or concealment in various contexts, such as physical cover or metaphorical cover in a situation. Example: "The tree provided little cover from the rain, leaving us soaked by the time we reached the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

A merciful sugaring of frost gives a little cover.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They also offer little cover for those struggling to survive there.

Independent

But Ingels felt that his Scandinavian heritage gave him a little cover.

The New Yorker

On Thursday, Mr. Rubio had little cover from his party's right flank, much less a parade.

The New York Times

But the pervasive stagnation has left little cover for those set back by globalization.

The New York Times

Finance minister Mathias Cormann ran a little cover for Rob Heferen, head of Revenue Group Treasury.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Then, maybe, the makeup artist put a little cover-up on my face, where needed.

The New York Times

Some people think that the truth can be hidden with a little cover-up and decoration.

The Guardian - Opinion

A little cover-up base and a little worked-in color to raise one's cheeks and eyes, sure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Little covered the phone and said, "She wants to know what to practice".

The New Yorker

Little covered the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 for the BBC.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where something offers minimal protection or concealment, use "little cover" to clearly convey the inadequacy of the protection.

Common error

Avoid using "little cover" when the protection offered is substantial; instead, opt for phrases like "adequate protection" or "significant cover" to accurately reflect the level of safeguard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little cover" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It typically describes a situation where something offers a minimal amount of protection or concealment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little cover" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a minimal amount of protection or concealment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a broad spectrum of writing scenarios. Its neutral register makes it versatile across various contexts, from news reports to general discussions. While "little cover" is common, being aware of similar alternatives, such as "minimal protection" or "scant concealment", can enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Be sure to accurately represent the level of protection offered and choose the expression that best fits the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal protection

Focuses on the protective aspect, emphasizing the small amount of defense provided.

scant concealment

Highlights the idea of inadequate hiding or obscurity.

slight defense

Emphasizes the defensive aspect, indicating a weak or limited defense.

meager shelter

Stresses the idea of insufficient refuge or protection from the elements or danger.

limited safeguard

Focuses on the protective measure, indicating its restricted or inadequate nature.

inadequate screening

Highlights the insufficient nature of the screening or filtering process.

thin disguise

Emphasizes the superficial nature of the attempt to conceal or mask something.

partial shielding

Focuses on the incomplete nature of the protection or barrier.

token support

Highlights the minimal level of assistance or backing provided.

nominal backing

Emphasizes the superficial or symbolic nature of the support given.

FAQs

How can I use "little cover" in a sentence?

You can use "little cover" to describe situations where there is minimal protection or concealment. For instance, "The sparse trees provided "little cover" from the intense sun".

What phrases are similar to "little cover"?

Alternatives to "little cover" include "minimal protection", "scant concealment", or "slight defense", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "little cover" in formal writing?

Yes, "little cover" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the specific context and choose the phrase that best conveys the intended meaning. For more formal contexts, "minimal protection" might be a better fit.

What's the difference between "little cover" and "no cover"?

"Little cover" implies that some protection or concealment is available, even if it's inadequate. "No cover" indicates a complete absence of protection or concealment. For example, "The soldiers had "little cover" from enemy fire" suggests some minimal protection, while "The soldiers had no cover from enemy fire" means they were completely exposed.