What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coating
Example
The car has a shiny coating that protects it from scratches. [coating: noun]
Example
She coated the walls with a fresh layer of paint. [coated: past tense]
covering
Example
He put a plastic covering over the furniture to protect it from dust. [covering: noun]
Example
The bookshelf was covered in a layer of dust. [covered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Covering is more commonly used than coating in everyday language. Covering is a general term that can be applied to various situations, while coating is more specific and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coating and covering?
While coating is associated with a more technical or specialized tone, covering is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
