What does the phrasal verb “cover for” mean?

What are the definitions of “cover for”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Provide an excuse or alibi.

  She asked me to COVER FOR her if anyone asked where she'd gone.

• 2. Do someone's work while they are temporarily absent.

  I COVERED FOR her while she was off sick.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cover for”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cover for is to do someone's work or take their place when they are temporarily absent, such as when they are sick or on vacation. It can also mean providing an excuse or alibi for someone.

What are the different verb forms of “cover for”?

Root Verb	cover for
Third Person Singular Present	covers for
Present Participle	covering for
Simple Past	covered for
Past Participle	covered for

Example

I always cover for my colleague when he is on vacation.

Example

She covers for her friend when she is sick.

Example

He is covering for his teammate during the meeting.

Example

Yesterday, they covered for each other during the shift change.

Example

The manager has covered for his employees on several occasions.

What kind of phrasal verb is “cover for”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“cover for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I covered for my coworker when she was on maternity leave.

Example

He covered for his friend when he was late to the party.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“cover for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I covered for my coworker when she was on maternity leave.

Example

He covered for his friend when he was late to the party.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cover for”?

Cover for someone's absence

To take on someone's responsibilities or duties while they are away.

Example

I will cover for you during your vacation, so don't worry about work.

Cover for someone's mistake

To help someone avoid the consequences of their mistake by providing an excuse or taking the blame.

Example

He covered for his brother's mistake by taking responsibility for the broken window.

Cover for someone's secret

To help someone keep a secret by providing an alibi or not revealing the truth.

Example

She covered for her friend's secret by pretending she didn't know anything.

Good things to know

Does “cover for” have an informal or formal tone?

Cover for is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a professional context when discussing work responsibilities or in a casual conversation when talking about helping a friend.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “cover for”?

Synonyms

• substitute
• replace
• shield
• protect
• stand in
• fill in
• take over
• act as
• provide an alibi

Antonyms

• expose
• reveal
• uncover
• disclose
• divulge
• report
• tell on
• betray