What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cover
Example
Please cover the furniture with a cloth to protect it from dust. [cover: verb]
Example
The tent will cover us from the rain. [cover: verb]
Example
The news channel will cover the election results tonight. [cover: verb]
hide
Example
He tried to hide the present behind his back. [hide: verb]
Example
The thief hid in the alley to avoid being caught. [hid: past tense]
Example
She hid her true feelings from her family. [hid: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cover is more commonly used than hide in everyday language. Cover is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hide is more specific and often used in situations where concealment is necessary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cover and hide?
Both cover and hide can be used in formal and informal contexts, but cover is generally considered more formal due to its wider range of usage and neutral connotations.
