taken cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taken cover" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone seeks shelter or protection from danger, often in military or emergency situations. Example: "When the gunfire started, the soldiers quickly taken cover behind the barricades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

As the first tower collapsed, he had taken cover under a fire truck.

The New York Times

Why, Ms. Howlett wondered, wouldn't the soldiers have then taken cover?

The New York Times

But the long steamy silences can still recur, when everybody seems to have taken cover like moles.

Independent

A helicopter and an armored vehicle returned fire on another building where the two men had taken cover.

The New York Times

The restrictions will be especially tight in attacking houses and compounds where insurgents are believed to have taken cover.

The New York Times

A teen-ager who had taken cover at the base of the bridge phoned 911 on his cell phone; as sirens approached, Johnson faded back into the woods.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

We take cover.

The New Yorker

No one took cover.

The New York Times

Taking cover from the flashbulbs?

The New York Times

Take cover in the bushes".

The New York Times

"I took cover.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about situations involving immediate danger, use "taken cover" to clearly convey that individuals sought protection from a threat. For instance, "Upon hearing the explosion, the civilians quickly taken cover behind the nearest building."

Common error

Avoid using "taken cover" in scenarios where the action is simply about hiding, not necessarily from an imminent threat. If there is no immediate danger, consider using "hid" or "concealed themselves" instead of "taken cover".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taken cover" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of seeking shelter or protection from a threat, often in response to a dangerous situation, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taken cover" is a verb phrase used to describe the action of seeking shelter or protection, often from immediate danger. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound and generally appropriate, it's essential to consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "sought shelter" or "found refuge" may be more suitable depending on the specific situation. Using "taken cover" implies a reactive response to a threat, so avoid using it in scenarios where there is no immediate danger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought shelter

Focuses on the act of finding a place of refuge or protection, similar to avoiding danger.

found refuge

Emphasizes the discovery of a safe place, differing slightly in highlighting the outcome of seeking protection.

sought protection

Directly indicates the act of looking for safety, changing the verb but keeping the meaning very close.

hid for safety

Highlights the action of hiding as a means to ensure one's safety, adding a specific element of concealment.

sheltered themselves

Implies providing oneself with a safe haven, shifting the focus to self-preservation.

ducked for cover

Describes a quick, evasive action to avoid danger, adding an element of immediacy.

concealed themselves

Focuses on the act of hiding or obscuring oneself from view, highlighting stealth.

went into hiding

Suggests a more prolonged or deliberate act of seeking refuge, changing the time frame.

retreated for safety

Indicates withdrawal to a safer location, adding a sense of strategic movement.

sought concealment

Focuses on the act of trying to remain unnoticed, or unseen avoiding detection

FAQs

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

You can use "taken cover" to describe seeking shelter or protection from danger. For example, "The soldiers "sought shelter" behind the wall after the first shot was fired".

What are some alternatives to "taken cover"?

Some alternatives to "taken cover" include "sought shelter", "found refuge", or "hid for safety". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "take cover" or "taken cover" the correct form?

"Take cover" is an imperative phrase, a command to seek shelter. "Taken cover" is the past participle, used in perfect tenses (e.g., "They had taken cover").

What's the difference between "taken cover" and "sought refuge"?

"Taken cover" generally implies a quick, reactive action to avoid immediate danger. "Sought refuge" "sought refuge" often suggests a more deliberate and longer-term search for safety.