如何区分 “cover with“ 和 “cover in“

The phrases "cover with" and "cover in" are similar but used in slightly different contexts depending on the material or the extent of the coverage. Here's how they differ:

1. "Cover with"

• Usage: This phrase is used when you want to describe something being placed over or on top of another object or surface. It's often used when the covering material is placed deliberately and uniformly.
• Examples:
  • She covered the table with a tablecloth. (The tablecloth is placed neatly on the table.)
  • He covered the cake with frosting. (The frosting is deliberately spread over the cake.)
  • They covered the roof with tiles. (The tiles are placed on the roof.)

2. "Cover in"

• Usage: This phrase is more often used when something is completely surrounded or immersed in a substance, often messily or fully. It’s commonly used for substances that can coat an object thoroughly or in an enveloping way.
• Examples:
  • The child was covered in mud. (The mud is all over the child, surrounding them.)
  • She was covered in snow after the storm. (The snow is all around her, likely covering every part.)
  • The car was covered in dust after sitting in the garage for months. (Dust is spread all over the car, not just placed on top.)

Key Difference:

• "Cover with" suggests placement or application of something on a surface, usually in a more controlled way.
• "Cover in" implies full or extensive coating of something, often involving a substance that can spread or completely surround the object.

Examples of both:

• The cake was covered with chocolate shavings. (Placed on top in a specific way.)
• The children were covered in paint after the art class. (Paint is all over their bodies, not just placed on top.)