took cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took cover" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of seeking protection from danger, often in a military or emergency context. Example: "When the gunfire started, the soldiers quickly took cover behind the barricades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each subgroup advanced, took cover, and provided the other with covering fire in turn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No one took cover.

The New York Times

"I took cover.

The New York Times

We just took cover.

The Guardian

They took cover behind a parked truck.

The New Yorker

People took cover under the bleachers.

The New York Times

2People took cover under the bleachers.

The New York Times

He took cover behind a truck on the street.

The New York Times

As she took cover, she said, he ran away.

The Washington Post

They dashed about 20 metres and took cover.

The Guardian

People ran from their offices or took cover under desks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took cover" to vividly describe a quick and deliberate action of seeking protection, especially in situations involving immediate danger like gunfire or natural disasters. For example: "Upon hearing the explosion, everyone instinctively "took cover" behind the concrete walls".

Common error

Avoid using "took cover" when describing a leisurely retreat or planned relocation to a safer area. The phrase implies a sudden and urgent need for protection from an immediate threat; for instance, don't say "They "took cover" in their new house after moving to the countryside"; instead, use "They sought refuge" or "relocated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took cover" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a past tense action, describing the act of seeking protection from danger. Ludwig's examples show its widespread use in describing immediate reactions to threats.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took cover" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of seeking immediate protection from danger. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "sought shelter" or "found refuge" exist, "took cover" emphasizes the urgency and reactive nature of seeking protection. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with situations involving immediate threats, avoiding its use for planned or leisurely relocations to safer areas. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought refuge

Emphasizes finding a safe place or haven, differing from "took cover" by suggesting a more general sense of seeking safety.

sought shelter

Focuses on finding protection from the elements or immediate danger, whereas "took cover" can imply a more active search for concealment.

found protection

Highlights the outcome of being shielded from harm, differing from "took cover" which describes the action of seeking that protection.

hid for safety

Implies concealment with the specific intention of ensuring one's well-being. "Took cover" may refer to military tactics.

went to ground

Suggests a more secretive or evasive action of hiding. It carries a stronger connotation of deliberately disappearing from view.

dug in

Refers specifically to creating a defensive position, often in a military context, which can be more active than simply "took cover".

scrambled for safety

Highlights the urgency and haste in seeking protection, differentiating from "took cover" which does not necessarily imply panic.

secured a safe location

Implies a proactive approach in finding and ensuring the safety of a place. It has a different focus from "took cover", which indicates a more immediate reaction.

sheltered themselves

Focuses on the act of providing protection for oneself, in comparison to "took cover" which implies finding an existing safe spot.

assumed a defensive position

Suggests a more calculated and strategic action, differing from "took cover" which can be a more instinctive response.

FAQs

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

"Took cover" is used to describe the act of seeking immediate protection from danger. For example: "When the storm hit, we "took cover" in the basement".

What are some alternatives to saying "took cover"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "sought shelter", "found refuge", or "went to ground" as alternatives to "took cover".

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

"Took cover" implies a more immediate and reactive response to danger, whereas "sought refuge" suggests a more prolonged or deliberate search for safety.

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

Yes, "took cover" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing events involving conflict or natural disasters. It is commonly used in news reports and historical accounts.