provided cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provided cover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something offers protection, support, or a shield for another person or situation. Example: "The soldiers provided cover for their teammates as they advanced towards the enemy position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lead copter provided cover.

The New Yorker

A further 3% provided cover as an optional extra.

The Guardian - Money

Opera and the Insulls provided cover for Mankiewicz and Welles.

The New Yorker

They suggest Merkel's diplomacy has unwittingly provided cover for continued Russian misbehaviour, mendacity and land-grabs.

The Guardian

Still, Mr. Obama's speech provided cover for fence-sitters on the fringe stuff.

The New York Times

The helicopter also provided cover for the boardings with a.50-caliber machine gun.

The New York Times

He provided cover for Delgadillo to coast to victory behind his heat shield.

The New York Times

And sometimes the organizations provided cover jobs overseas for its agents.

The New Yorker

American commanders say the area has long provided cover for Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia.

The New York Times

Du Pont and the committee provided cover for Mrs. Kennedy's Parisian decorator.

The New York Times

Propaganda both whipped up Hitler's base and provided cover for his regime's most brutal aggressions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provided cover" in military or tactical contexts, ensure the specific type of cover (e.g., suppressive fire, aerial support) is clearly indicated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overstating the effectiveness of the cover provided. Be realistic about the limits of protection or justification offered by the cover. For example, instead of saying "the policy provided complete cover", consider "the policy provided partial cover" or "the policy reduced the risk".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provided cover" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of giving protection or justification to someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provided cover" is a versatile expression primarily used to indicate protection, justification, or support. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is grammatically sound and widely used across various registers. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific type of cover being provided for clarity, and avoid overstating its effectiveness. Alternatives such as "offered protection" or "rendered support" may be appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offered protection

Focuses specifically on the act of protecting someone or something.

supplied security

Emphasizes the provision of safety and protection from harm.

rendered support

Highlights the act of giving assistance or backing.

furnished a shield

Uses a metaphorical term to describe the act of protecting.

created a smokescreen

Implies providing cover by obscuring or concealing something.

gave backing to

Emphasizes the act of supporting a person, plan or idea.

justified actions

Highlights how cover might be used to legitimize conduct.

protected activity

Emphasizes shielding an action or activity from scrutiny.

facilitated concealment

Highlights enabling or assisting with hiding something.

enabled impunity

Emphasizes provision of cover allowing someone to act without punishment.

FAQs

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

The phrase "provided cover" is used to indicate the act of offering protection, support, or justification. For example: "The helicopter "provided cover" for the troops."

What are some alternatives to "provided cover"?

Alternatives include "offered protection", "supplied security", or "rendered support". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what situations is "provided cover" typically used?

The phrase is commonly used in military contexts (e.g., providing cover fire), political contexts (e.g., providing cover for unpopular decisions), and business contexts (e.g., providing cover for financial transactions).

What is the difference between "provided cover" and "offered support"?

While both phrases imply assistance, "provided cover" often suggests a more active or defensive role, offering protection against potential threats or criticism. "Offered support" is a broader term that includes various forms of assistance.