What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
masks
Example
Please wear a mask when entering the store. [mask: noun]
Example
The doctor put on a mask before entering the patient's room. [mask: noun]
covering
Example
The car was covered with a tarp to protect it from the rain. [covering: noun]
Example
She covered herself with a warm blanket on the couch. [covered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Masks are more commonly used than coverings in the context of health and safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, coverings can be used in a broader range of contexts and have a wider variety of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between masks and covering?
Masks are typically associated with a formal and serious tone due to their association with health and safety. Coverings, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on their intended use.