under separate cover

USAGE SUMMARY

'under separate cover' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are sending a package or document that cannot be sent in the same package or envelope as the main item. For example, "I am sending the invoice for the items under separate cover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The letter also said, "Under separate cover I am sending the résumé we discussed".

The New York Times

A more formal notification is being delivered today to Yahoo under separate cover.

The New York Times

Letters of recommendation should be sent under separate cover directly to the Program.

Harvard University

Under separate cover, Arianda sent her own letter, with a drawing of the American and the Ukrainian flags.

The New Yorker

A brief letter from the applicant's faculty advisor endorsing their participation in the DE, sent under separate cover.

University of California, Berkeley

The information requesting the reconciliations is distributed at the same time as the SOX information, however under separate cover.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Do you think you would have time during that week for the interview on the Art of Fiction?... I've sent under a separate cover the last three issues of the Review.

The New York Times - Magazine

Submit a separate cover letter for each position applied.

Unicef

Cons: They require a separate cover.

WikiHow

They are inexpensive.. Cons: Require a separate cover.

WikiHow

The March 20 issue of the magazine featured Kobe Bryant, Anna Kournikova, Regis Philbin and Ms. Spears on separate covers under the headline "The New Stars of Money".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under separate cover", briefly explain in the main communication what the separate item is and when it was sent. This helps the recipient anticipate its arrival and understand its relevance.

Common error

Don't assume the recipient will receive the "under separate cover" item at the same time as the primary communication. Mentioning the potential for staggered arrival prevents unnecessary inquiries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under separate cover" functions as an adverbial phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it modifies a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is sent or delivered. This is shown in examples such as, "I am sending the invoice for the items under separate cover."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under separate cover" is a useful adverbial phrase indicating that an item is dispatched independently from the main communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, academic, and formal business settings. To avoid confusion, always clearly specify what is being sent separately. By understanding its proper usage and potential alternatives, you can communicate more clearly and professionally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sent in a separate package

Highlights the physical separation of the items.

separately mailed

Focuses specifically on the act of mailing something independently.

mailed in its own envelope

Specifies the method of separate mailing.

shipped independently

Emphasizes the independent shipping process.

dispatched separately

Emphasizes the act of sending something independently.

forwarded independently

Highlights independent forwarding.

enclosed separately

Implies that items are included, but not together.

shipped via different carrier

Highlights the different shipping company.

sent under different dispatch

Expresses the separate sending mechanism.

sent via alternate channel

Highlights sending through a different method.

FAQs

How can I use "under separate cover" in a sentence?

You can use "under separate cover" to indicate that an item is being sent separately from the main communication. For example, "The contract is enclosed, and the supporting documents are being sent "separately mailed" under separate cover."

What does "under separate cover" mean?

"Under separate cover" means that something is being sent in a different envelope or package than the main item. It's used to indicate that the items are being handled independently.

What's the difference between "under separate cover" and "enclosed"?

"Enclosed" means that something is included in the same envelope or package. "Under separate cover" means it's being sent separately and not in the same package as the primary correspondence.

What can I say instead of "under separate cover"?

You can use alternatives like "shipped independently" or "sent in a separate package" depending on the context.