serve as a cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as a cover" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to act as a disguise or a smokescreen for something else. It can also refer to something that protects or conceals something else. Example: The fake charity organization was set up to serve as a cover for illegal money laundering activities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"But that can sometimes serve as a cover for cowardice.

The New York Times

A large garbage bag can serve as a cover for wet ground, laundry carrier and rain poncho.

The New York Times - Travel

"Because that's more the norm than the exception: 'Uh, I don't get it.' " This, he suggested, can serve as a cover for barbed editorializing — and cartoonists know it.

The New Yorker

He believes that Mr. Rowhani might be able to start talks that would simply serve as a cover while Iran continued its nuclear program.

The New York Times

Meaningless and bureaucratic rules, and form letters, serve as a cover up for a fundamental lack of interest in individuals in any situation.

The New Yorker

When used in this manner, debate and discussion don't serve as a cover for inaction, they lead to genuine problem solving.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He wrote in an open letter: Neither I nor my team has any desire to serve as a cover-up for the covert corruption, or become puppets for those who, very much like the "old" government, are trying to exercise control over the flow of public funds.

The New Yorker

Neither I nor my team has any desire to serve as a cover-up for the covert corruption, or become puppets for those who, very much like the "old" government, are trying to exercise control over the flow of public funds.

The New Yorker

There is a culture within certain religious ranks in ugly sects of the church that serve as a cover-up for abuse and suppression of victims.

Huffington Post

"The concept of 'national security' is not meant to serve as a blanket phrase to cover up serious corruption allegations involving government officials, in Australia or elsewhere.

Vice

"The banner of Islam is serving as a cover for hypocrites".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as a cover", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being concealed or protected and what the deceptive appearance is. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "serve as a cover" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced alternatives like "provide a rationale for" or "function as a justification for" to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a cover" functions primarily as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with a predicate nominative that describes its role or purpose. Ludwig examples show how it's used to describe something that is intentionally concealing or disguising something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve as a cover" is a common expression used to describe something that conceals or disguises something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its function in indicating a hidden reality behind a superficial appearance. It appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources, indicating a neutral register. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously in formal contexts, opting for more precise alternatives when appropriate. Related phrases include "function as a disguise" and "masquerade as". Remember to ensure clarity when employing this phrase, specifying both what is being concealed and the nature of the deceptive appearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function as a disguise

Emphasizes concealing true identity or purpose.

offer a smokescreen

Implies deliberate obfuscation.

be a pretext for

Highlights the use of a false reason to conceal the true motive.

create a smokescreen

Emphasizes the act of creating a distraction or concealment.

masquerade as

Highlights deceptive appearance.

furnish a pretext

Stresses the provision of a fabricated reason.

present a front

Highlights the creation of a deceptive image.

provide a facade

Suggests a superficial appearance that hides something.

act as a shield

Focuses on protective function rather than concealment.

work as camouflage

Focuses on blending in to avoid detection.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as a cover" in a sentence?

The phrase "serve as a cover" is used to indicate that something is acting as a disguise or concealment for something else. For example, "The business was a front, serving as a cover for illegal activities."

What are some alternatives to "serve as a cover"?

You can use alternatives like "function as a disguise", "masquerade as", or "provide a facade" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "serve as a cover" or "act as a shield"?

"Serve as a cover" implies concealment or disguise, while "act as a shield" suggests protection. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize hiding something or defending against something.

What's the difference between "serve as a cover" and "be a pretext for"?

"Serve as a cover" broadly means to conceal something, while "be a pretext for" specifically implies a false reason used to justify an action or situation.