What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
covering
Example
The covering on the sofa protected it from spills and stains. [covering: noun]
Example
The workers were covering the building with a new coat of paint. [covering: present participle]
cover
Example
She put a cover over the cake to keep it fresh. [cover: noun]
Example
Can you cover the table with a cloth before the guests arrive? [cover: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cover is more commonly used than covering in everyday language. Cover is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while covering is less common and is typically used in more formal or technical settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between covering and cover?
Covering is generally considered more formal than cover, which is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
