Are you confused about whether to use “cover” or “discover” in your writing? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can affect the clarity of your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “cover” and “discover” and provide examples of when to use each.
Let’s define the terms. “Cover” means to conceal or protect something, while “discover” means to find or uncover something that was previously unknown. These definitions may seem straightforward, but they can have nuanced implications in different contexts.
For example, if you’re writing about a new scientific discovery, you would use “discover” to emphasize the novelty and significance of the finding. On the other hand, if you’re writing about a security breach, you would use “cover” to describe the attempts to conceal the breach and prevent further damage.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore various scenarios where the choice between “cover” and “discover” can impact the meaning and effectiveness of your writing. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use these words confidently and accurately.
Define Cover
Cover refers to the act of concealing or protecting something from harm, damage, or discovery. In the context of literature, a cover is the outermost layer of a book that protects the pages within. It is also used to refer to a song that is performed by someone other than the original artist.
Additionally, when used in the context of insurance, cover refers to the protection that an insurance policy provides against loss or damage to property or a person.
Define Discover
Discover refers to the act of finding or uncovering something that was previously unknown. In the context of science, discovery refers to the process of making new observations or coming up with new ideas that change the way we understand the world.
In the context of business, discover refers to the process of finding new opportunities or markets that can help a company grow and expand. It can also refer to the act of uncovering hidden talents or potential in employees.
Furthermore, in the context of travel, discover refers to the act of exploring new places and experiencing new cultures.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
As a writer, it’s important to understand the nuances of language and how to use words correctly in a sentence. In this section, we’ll explore the proper usage of the words “cover” and “discover.”
How To Use “Cover” In A Sentence
The word “cover” can be used in a variety of ways, but it generally means to conceal or protect something. Here are some examples of how to use “cover” in a sentence:
- She covered her face with a scarf to protect it from the cold wind.
- The reporter covered the story of the election from start to finish.
- The insurance policy will cover the cost of any damages to your car.
As you can see, “cover” can be used to refer to physical objects, events, or even insurance policies. It’s important to use “cover” in a way that accurately reflects its intended meaning.
How To Use “Discover” In A Sentence
The word “discover” means to find or learn something new. Here are some examples of how to use “discover” in a sentence:
- Archaeologists discovered a new tomb in Egypt.
- She discovered that she had a talent for painting after taking a class.
- The scientist discovered a cure for the disease after years of research.
As you can see, “discover” is often used to refer to new information or knowledge. It’s important to use “discover” in a way that accurately reflects its intended meaning, so that your writing is clear and precise.
More Examples Of Cover & Discover Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how the words “cover” and “discover” can be used in sentences. By examining these examples, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of these two words and how they can be used in different contexts.
Examples Of Using Cover In A Sentence
- The blanket will cover the entire bed.
- We need to cover the expenses for the project.
- The insurance policy will cover any damages.
- She tried to cover her mistake by blaming someone else.
- The book cover was beautifully designed.
- The trees provided cover from the hot sun.
- The soldier used his gun to provide cover for his comrades.
- The reporter tried to cover the story from every angle.
- The makeup will cover up any blemishes.
- The football player fumbled the ball, but managed to cover it before the other team could recover it.
Examples Of Using Discover In A Sentence
- She was thrilled to discover a hidden treasure in her backyard.
- The scientists were able to discover a new species of bird in the rainforest.
- He discovered that he had a talent for painting.
- The police were able to discover the identity of the thief through DNA testing.
- She discovered that her husband had been cheating on her for years.
- The explorers were excited to discover a new land.
- The archaeologist discovered ancient ruins in the desert.
- He discovered a way to save money on his monthly bills.
- The children were amazed to discover a secret room in the old mansion.
- She discovered that she had a long-lost sister.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using cover and discover, there are several common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two words and how they should be used.
Using Cover Instead Of Discover
One of the most common mistakes people make is using cover instead of discover. While these two words may seem similar, they have very different meanings. Cover means to hide or protect something, while discover means to find or uncover something that was previously unknown.
For example, if you say “I covered a new restaurant in town,” it would imply that you hid the restaurant or protected it in some way. However, if you say “I discovered a new restaurant in town,” it would imply that you found the restaurant and it was previously unknown to you.
Using Discover Instead Of Cover
Another common mistake is using discover instead of cover. This mistake can be particularly confusing because it can lead to the opposite meaning of what was intended. For example, if you say “I discovered my car with a blanket,” it would imply that you found your car with a blanket on top of it. However, if you meant to say that you covered your car with a blanket, you should have used the word cover instead of discover.
Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to take the time to understand the meanings of cover and discover. Here are some tips to help you avoid these common mistakes:
- Take the time to think about the meaning of the word you want to use before you write or speak.
- If you’re unsure about which word to use, look up the definitions in a dictionary or online.
- Practice using the words correctly in context to help reinforce the correct usage.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “cover” and “discover,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between cover and discover might change.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, the choice between cover and discover can depend on the type of research being conducted. For example, if a researcher is conducting a literature review, they may choose to cover a wide range of sources to gain a broad understanding of the topic. On the other hand, if a researcher is conducting original research, they may choose to discover new information through experiments or surveys.
Journalism
In journalism, the choice between cover and discover can depend on the angle of the story. If a journalist is covering breaking news, they may choose to cover the facts as they emerge. However, if a journalist is writing a feature story, they may choose to discover new angles or perspectives on a well-known topic.
Marketing
In marketing, the choice between cover and discover can depend on the target audience. If a company is introducing a new product, they may choose to cover the features and benefits of the product in their advertising. However, if the company is trying to differentiate themselves from competitors, they may choose to discover unique selling points that set them apart.
Personal Growth
When it comes to personal growth, the choice between cover and discover can depend on the individual’s goals. If someone is trying to overcome a fear or limitation, they may choose to cover their weaknesses and work on improving them. However, if someone is trying to discover their passions or purpose, they may choose to explore new experiences and opportunities.
As you can see, the choice between cover and discover can vary greatly depending on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can choose the right one to convey your message effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using cover and discover may seem straightforward, there are exceptions to these guidelines that should be noted. Below are some instances where the traditional usage of these words may not apply:
Cover
- Physical Covering: In some cases, cover may refer to a physical covering rather than an action of hiding or protecting. For example, when discussing furniture, we might say, “The couch has a cover made of leather.”
- Music: In music, cover can refer to a new rendition of a previously recorded song by a different artist. For instance, Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is a cover of Dolly Parton’s original version.
- Insurance: In the context of insurance, cover refers to the protection and compensation provided by an insurance policy. For example, “My car insurance policy covers damages caused by accidents.”
Discover
- Accidental Discovery: In some cases, discovery may occur by accident rather than through intentional searching. For example, “I discovered a new coffee shop on my way to work this morning.”
- Scientific Research: In scientific research, discovery often refers to the process of uncovering new information or understanding. For instance, “The discovery of DNA revolutionized the field of genetics.”
- Legal Proceedings: In legal proceedings, discovery refers to the process of obtaining evidence and information from the opposing party. For example, “The defense team requested discovery of all documents related to the case.”
It is important to note these exceptions to ensure that the correct usage of cover and discover is employed in different contexts.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and usage of cover and discover requires practice. Here are some exercises that can help:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks
Fill in the blanks with either cover or discover:
- The blanket will ________ the baby from the cold.
- I want to ________ new restaurants in the city.
- The detective will try to ________ the truth about the crime.
- She used her hand to ________ her mouth when she coughed.
- We need to ________ the pool before it gets too dirty.
Answers:
- cover
- discover
- discover
- cover
- cover
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- She ________ her face with a scarf to protect it from the wind.
- a) discover
- b) cover
- a) cover
- b) discover
- a) discover
- b) cover
Answers:
- b) cover
- b) discover
- b) cover
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences with either cover or discover:
- The book ________ a wide range of topics related to psychology.
- He was able to ________ the source of the strange noise.
- She used a scarf to ________ her hair from the rain.
Answers:
- covers
- discover
- cover
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between “cover” and “discover” is not only a matter of semantics but also a matter of grammar. While “cover” refers to the act of concealing or protecting something, “discover” refers to the act of finding something that was previously unknown. Understanding the proper use of these words can greatly enhance one’s ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken language.
Some key takeaways from this article include:
- The importance of using the correct word in context
- The nuances of the English language and their impact on communication
- The role of grammar in effective communication
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve one’s communication skills. By expanding one’s vocabulary and understanding of language, one can become a more effective communicator and convey their ideas more clearly and concisely.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.