Cover vs Covering: Common Misconceptions and Accurate Usage

Cover vs covering: two words that may seem interchangeable, but in reality, have distinct meanings. Understanding the difference between the two can help you communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.

Cover is a verb that means to place something over or on top of another object, in order to protect or conceal it. For example, you might cover a cake with frosting, or cover a table with a tablecloth. Cover can also refer to a physical object that is used to protect or conceal something else, such as a book cover or a car cover.

Covering, on the other hand, is a gerund (a verb form that functions as a noun) that refers to the act of covering something. It can also refer to the material that is used to cover something, such as a covering of snow on the ground or a covering of paint on a wall.

While cover and covering are related concepts, they are not interchangeable. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or miscommunication. In the rest of this article, we’ll explore the differences between cover and covering in more detail, and provide some examples of how to use each word correctly.

Define Cover

Cover is a term that refers to a material or substance that is used to protect or conceal something. It can be a physical object that shields an item from damage or harm, such as a book cover or a car cover. Cover can also refer to a layer of protection, such as a cover of snow or a cover of darkness. In the context of insurance, cover refers to the protection provided by an insurance policy against certain risks or losses.

Define Covering

Covering is a term that refers to the act of placing something over or around an object or surface. It can be a physical layer that is placed on top of an item for protection or decoration, such as a tablecloth or a wall covering. Covering can also refer to the act of concealing or hiding something, such as covering up a mistake or a crime. In the context of biology, covering refers to a layer of tissue or skin that covers an organ or a body part.

Here is a table summarizing the main differences between cover and covering:

	Cover	Covering
Definition	A material or substance that protects or conceals something	The act of placing something over or around an object or surface
Examples	Book cover, car cover, snow cover, insurance cover	Tablecloth, wall covering, covering up a mistake or a crime, skin covering an organ
Function	Protection, concealment	Decoration, concealment

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make all the difference in how the sentence is perceived by the reader. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “cover” and “covering” in a sentence.

How To Use “Cover” In A Sentence

The word “cover” can be used as a noun or a verb in a sentence. As a noun, it refers to something that is placed over or on top of another object. For example:

• The book cover was beautifully designed.
• The car cover protected the vehicle from the rain.

As a verb, “cover” means to place something over or on top of another object. It can also mean to provide protection or security. For example:

• She covered the cake with frosting.
• The police officer covered the crime scene with caution tape.
• The insurance policy covered the cost of the repairs.

How To Use “Covering” In A Sentence

The word “covering” is a gerund, which means it is a verb form that functions as a noun. It refers to something that is used to cover or protect another object. For example:

• The tablecloth was a beautiful covering for the table.
• The covering on the couch protected it from spills and stains.

“Covering” can also be used as a present participle, which means it is a verb form that ends in -ing. It can be used to describe an ongoing action that is covering something. For example:

• The painter is covering the walls with a fresh coat of paint.
• The gardener is covering the plants with a protective cloth to keep them warm.

It is important to note that “covering” is not interchangeable with “cover”. “Cover” is used as a noun or a verb, while “covering” is used as a noun or a present participle.

More Examples Of Cover & Covering Used In Sentences

In order to gain a better understanding of the differences between the two words, it is helpful to explore more examples of how they are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using “Cover” In A Sentence:

• The blanket will cover you and keep you warm at night.
• The insurance policy will cover any damages to your car.
• Please cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• The book cover was beautifully designed.
• The roof will cover the entire house.
• The newspaper article will cover the latest political scandal.
• The band will cover popular songs at the wedding reception.
• The paint will cover the entire wall with just one coat.
• The soldier will cover his comrades while they advance.
• The teacher will cover the material from the previous lesson before moving on.

Examples Of Using “Covering” In A Sentence:

• The covering on the couch was stained and needed to be replaced.
• The covering on the road was slippery due to the rain.
• The covering of snow made the landscape look like a winter wonderland.
• The covering of the book was torn and tattered from years of use.
• The covering on the table protected it from scratches and spills.
• The covering on the airplane’s wings prevented ice from forming.
• The covering on the salad kept it fresh until it was served.
• The covering of the building was made of glass panels.
• The covering of the statue was made of bronze.
• The covering of the cake was made of fondant.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “cover” and “covering,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words actually have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using cover and covering:

Using “Cover” As A Verb When Referring To A Physical Object

One common mistake is using “cover” as a verb when referring to a physical object. For example, saying “I covered the sofa with a blanket” is incorrect because the correct verb to use in this case is “covered.” “Cover” should only be used as a verb when referring to an action taken by a person or thing. For example, “I covered my ears to block out the noise.”

Using “Covering” As A Noun

Another common mistake is using “covering” as a noun. For example, saying “I need a cover for my phone” is incorrect because the correct noun to use in this case is “case” or “protector.” “Covering” should only be used as a verb or an adjective. For example, “I am covering the cake with frosting” or “The covering on the sofa is made of leather.”

Using “Cover” To Mean “Hide”

Using “cover” to mean “hide” is another common mistake. For example, saying “I covered up my mistake” is incorrect because the correct verb to use in this case is “hid” or “concealed.” “Cover” should only be used to mean “to place something over or on top of something else.” For example, “I covered the pot to keep the food warm.”

To avoid making these common mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the distinct meanings of “cover” and “covering.” Use “cover” as a verb when referring to an action taken by a person or thing, and use “covering” as a verb or an adjective. When referring to a physical object, use “covered” or “covering” as a descriptor, and use “case” or “protector” as a noun.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words ‘cover’ and ‘covering’, context is everything. The decision on which to use can depend on the situation in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between cover and covering might change:

1. Furniture

In the context of furniture, the word ‘cover’ is often used to refer to a protective layer that is placed on top of a piece of furniture. For example, a sofa cover is a piece of fabric that is placed over a sofa to protect it from spills, stains, and general wear and tear. On the other hand, ‘covering’ can refer to a material that is used to upholster a piece of furniture. For example, a sofa covering refers to the material that is used to make the sofa.

2. Food

In the context of food, the word ‘cover’ can refer to a lid that is placed over a dish to keep it warm or to prevent it from spilling. For example, a pot cover is a lid that is placed over a pot to keep the food inside warm. On the other hand, ‘covering’ can refer to a layer of food that is placed over another layer of food. For example, a pizza covering refers to the toppings that are placed on top of the pizza crust.

3. Construction

In the context of construction, the word ‘cover’ can refer to a layer of material that is placed over a surface to protect it from the elements. For example, a roof cover is a layer of material that is placed over the top of a building to protect it from rain, snow, and other weather conditions. On the other hand, ‘covering’ can refer to a material that is used to finish a surface. For example, a wall covering refers to the material that is used to cover the walls of a room.

4. Technology

In the context of technology, the word ‘cover’ can refer to a protective case that is placed over a device to protect it from damage. For example, a phone cover is a case that is placed over a phone to protect it from scratches and cracks. On the other hand, ‘covering’ can refer to a material that is used to protect a device from dust and debris. For example, a keyboard covering refers to a protective layer that is placed over a computer keyboard to keep it clean.

As you can see, the choice between ‘cover’ and ‘covering’ can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It’s important to understand the nuances of each word to ensure that you are using the correct one in the appropriate context.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using cover and covering are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to consider. Here are a few cases where the rules may not apply:

1. Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a different meaning than their literal interpretation. In some cases, these expressions may use the word “cover” or “covering” in a way that doesn’t follow the usual rules.

For example, the phrase “cover your tracks” means to conceal evidence of something you’ve done. In this case, “cover” is being used in a figurative sense, rather than to describe a physical object.

Another example is the phrase “cover all the bases,” which means to take all necessary precautions. Again, “cover” is being used in a metaphorical sense, rather than to describe a physical object.

2. Regional Differences

While the rules for using cover and covering are generally consistent across English-speaking countries, there may be some regional differences to consider.

For example, in British English, the word “cover” is often used to describe a duvet or comforter, while in American English, the word “comforter” is more commonly used. In this case, it’s important to be aware of the regional differences to avoid confusion.

3. Technical Jargon

In some technical fields, such as engineering or construction, the words “cover” and “covering” may have specific meanings that differ from their general usage.

For example, in construction, the term “roof covering” refers specifically to the material used to cover a roof, such as shingles or tiles. In this case, “covering” is being used to describe a specific type of material, rather than as a general term.

While the rules for using cover and covering are generally straightforward, it’s important to be aware of any exceptions that may apply. By understanding these exceptions, you can use these words correctly and effectively in any context.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of cover and covering in sentences is to practice using them in different contexts. Here are some practice exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct form of cover or covering to fill in the blank in each sentence:

Sentence	Answer
The blanket __________ the baby.	covered
She was __________ her face with a scarf.	covering
The insurance policy will __________ the cost of the damages.	cover
He __________ his eyes with his hands to shield them from the sun.	covered
The table was __________ with a tablecloth.	covered

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence with the correct form of cover or covering:

1. She was __________ her head with a hat to protect herself from the sun.
2. The book __________ the topic of climate change in great detail.
3. The snow __________ the ground in a blanket of white.
4. The company’s insurance policy will __________ the cost of the damages.
5. He __________ his tracks with leaves to hide his trail.

Answers:

1. covering
2. covers
3. covered
4. cover
5. covered

By practicing using cover and covering in different contexts, you can improve your understanding and use of these words in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After examining the differences between cover and covering, it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings in grammar and language use. It is important to understand the nuances of these words in order to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Some key takeaways from this article include:

• Cover is a verb that means to place something over or on top of something else.
• Covering is a noun that refers to the material or object used to cover something.
• Covering can also be a gerund, a verb form that functions as a noun, indicating an ongoing action or state.
• Both cover and covering have multiple meanings and can be used in a variety of contexts, so it is important to consider the specific context when choosing which word to use.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to study and practice language use, we can become more effective communicators and better understand the world around us.