A2verb1K

Cover

UK /["/ˈkʌvə(r)/","/ˈkʌvəz/","/ˈkʌvəd/","/ˈkʌvərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈkʌvər/","/ˈkʌvərz/","/ˈkʌvərd/","/ˈkʌvərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to place something over or in front of something in order to hide, protect or decorate it

In simple words: to put something over or on top of something else

Examples

  • Please cover the pot so that the food doesn't get cold.
  • The report will cover the main findings of the study.
  • She decided to cover her tattoo with makeup for the event.
  • The book will cover various topics related to history.
  • The game is designed to cover all age groups.
  • You need to cover yourself with sunscreen before going to the beach.
  • They built a cover for the pool to keep it clean.
  • The soldiers took cover during the attack.

Usage notes

Use 'cover' when talking about hiding or protecting something. It can be both physical (like a blanket) and metaphorical (like a topic). Avoid using in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

cover + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'cover' on a book that hides its content — you 'cover' it to protect or hide.

Collocations

  • completely
  • entirely
  • loosely
  • try to
  • use something to
  • with
  • completely
  • in
  • with
  • completely
  • in
  • with
  • barely
  • hardly
  • help (to)
  • be intended to
  • be extended to
  • barely
  • hardly
  • help (to)
  • be intended to
  • be extended to
  • against
  • for

Synonyms

  • hide
  • shield
  • protect
  • envelop
  • screen

Antonyms

  • uncover
  • reveal

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'discover' — forgetting that 'cover' means to place something over.
  • Using as a noun without context — 'the cover' can be unclear without specifying what is covered.
  • Wrong verb form — using 'covering' when the simple present 'covers' is needed.