Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Cover up': Meanings and Usage for English Learners
Learning English phrasal verbs can be a rewarding part of your language journey, and 'Cover up' is a common yet multifaceted one you'll frequently encounter. This phrasal verb often relates to the idea of concealing something, whether it's a mistake, an object, or even a blemish. Understanding the nuances of how to use 'Cover up' correctly will significantly boost your fluency and comprehension. In this post, we'll explore the different meanings of 'Cover up', examine its grammatical structures with clear examples, look at related phrases and synonyms, and finally, give you a chance to practice what you've learned. Let's dive into the world of 'Cover up'!
Table of Contents
What Does Cover up Mean?
The phrasal verb cover up primarily means to hide the truth about something, especially something wrong, illegal, or embarrassing. It can also mean to put something over another thing to protect, hide, or decorate it. Understanding these distinctions is key to using cover up effectively in English.
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Structure with Cover up
The phrasal verb cover up can be used in several ways, depending on its specific meaning. It's important to note that cover up is often separable when it takes an object related to the thing being hidden or concealed. Let's look at its common meanings and structures.
Meaning 1: To conceal a mistake, crime, or embarrassing fact.
This is perhaps the most common understanding of cover up. It implies an intentional effort to prevent something from becoming known, often because it is negative.
- Structure (separable): Subject + cover + [the mistake/truth/scandal] + up
- Example 1: The company tried to cover the financial losses up to avoid alarming investors.
- Example 2: He attempted to cover up his involvement in the incident.
- Structure (inseparable when 'up' is an adverbial particle emphasizing completion, or when the object is long): Subject + cover up + [the mistake/truth/scandal]
- Example 1: They decided to cover up the entire affair.
- Example 2: It's wrong to cover up evidence of wrongdoing.
Meaning 2: To put something over an object to protect, hide, or decorate it.
This usage is more literal. It refers to the physical act of placing a covering on something.
- Structure (separable): Subject + cover + [object] + up + (with + [material])
- Example 1: Before painting, she covered the furniture up with old sheets.
- Example 2: He covered the sleeping child up with a blanket.
- Structure (inseparable): Subject + cover up + [object] + (with + [material])
- Example 1: Remember to cover up the food to keep flies away.
- Example 2: She covered up the scratch on the table with a vase.
Meaning 3: To apply something (like makeup) to hide a blemish.
This is a specific application of concealing something on a surface, usually one's skin.
- Structure (separable): Subject + cover + [blemish/mark] + up + (with + [substance])
- Example 1: She used concealer to cover the pimple up.
- Example 2: He tried to cover up the bruise on his arm with a long-sleeved shirt.
- Structure (inseparable): Subject + cover up + [blemish/mark] + (with + [substance])
- Example 1: Can this foundation cover up my freckles effectively?
- Example 2: She learned to cover up her scars with special makeup.
Understanding these structures will help you use the phrasal verb cover up more accurately. Pay attention to whether the object can go between "cover" and "up" or must follow the full phrasal verb. Context often provides clues about the specific meaning intended.
More: Cotton On: Understanding This Useful Phrasal Verb in English
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms and related phrases can make your English sound more natural and varied. Here are some words and phrases related to the different meanings of cover up, particularly the meaning of concealing truth or mistakes.
| Synonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Conceal | To prevent something from being seen or known | The magician tried to conceal the rabbit. |
| Hide | To put or keep out of sight; to keep secret | She decided to hide the bad news from her parents. |
| Obscure | To make something unclear or difficult to see | The dense fog began to obscure the coastline. |
| Hush up | To suppress information or prevent it from becoming public knowledge | The authorities tried to hush up the scandal. |
| Suppress | To prevent something from being expressed, known, or circulated | The government attempted to suppress the critical report. |
These synonyms are particularly useful when you want to avoid repeating "cover up" or when you need a word with a slightly different nuance. For instance, "hush up" strongly implies an attempt to prevent public discussion, often about something scandalous.
More: Mastering 'Cop Out': Meaning, Usage, and Examples
Practice Time!
Let's test your understanding of the phrasal verb "cover up" with a few questions. Choose the best option for each.
Question 1: Which sentence uses "cover up" to mean concealing a mistake? a) She will cover up the baby with a warm blanket.
b) The politician tried to cover up his controversial statements.
c) He used makeup to cover up a small scar.
d) They cover up the pool during the winter.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: "The company tried to ______ the environmental damage it caused." Which is the most appropriate completion? a) cover for
b) cover over
c) cover up
d) cover in
Correct answer: c
Question 3: Which of the following is the closest synonym for "cover up" when it means to hide wrongdoing? a) Reveal
b) Expose
c) Conceal
d) Announce
Correct answer: c
Question 4: Identify the correct separable use of "cover up": a) She covered up her notes the mistake.
b) He covered the evidence up quickly.
c) They up covered the hole in the wall.
d) The report covered up by the committee.
Correct answer: b
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using phrasal verbs like cover up is a significant step in mastering English. As we've seen, "cover up" has distinct meanings, primarily related to concealing truths or physically covering objects. Recognizing its different structures and nuances will empower you to communicate more effectively and comprehend native speakers with greater ease. Keep practicing its usage in various contexts, and don't be afraid to use it in your own conversations and writing. Consistent practice is the key to fluency!