Phrasal verb
cover for
Definition
phrasal verb. to do someone's work while they are away, or to lie to protect them from getting into trouble.
phrasal verb. to temporarily perform the duties of a colleague or to provide an alibi or excuse for another person's absence or error.
Examples
“Can you cover for me while I go to the doctor?”
“When the manager asked where Sarah was, her friend covered for her by saying she was in a meeting.”
“The junior associate was expected to cover for the senior partner during the lengthy arbitration hearings in Geneva.”
Examples
simple
“Can you cover for me while I go to the doctor?”
contextual
“When the manager asked where Sarah was, her friend covered for her by saying she was in a meeting.”
complex
“The junior associate was expected to cover for the senior partner during the lengthy arbitration hearings in Geneva.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cover for” in context.
Verb
01. agree to cover for the manager
“The assistant agreed to cover for the manager during the summer holidays.”
verb + infinitive
02. cover for a coworker
“Can you cover for a coworker while she takes her lunch break?”
verb + prep + noun
03. cover for a sick friend
“I had to cover for a sick friend at the restaurant last night.”
verb + prep + adj + noun
04. kindly cover for a colleague
“Sarah kindly covered for a colleague who had to leave early for a family emergency.”
adv + verb
05. refuse to cover for someone
“He refused to cover for his brother when the police started asking questions.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
06. regularly cover for the staff
“The supervisor regularly covers for the staff when they are in training meetings.”
adv + verb
07. secretly cover for a partner
“She secretly covered for her partner so the boss wouldn't know he was late.”
adv + verb
Usage
usually followed by a person; the context determines if the act is helpful work or a protective lie.
Teaching tip
distinguish between the professional sense (filling in) and the social sense (making an excuse); both imply a temporary substitution of responsibility.
Pitfall
I will cover you for.
I will cover for you.
the object must follow the preposition 'for' because this phrasal verb is inseparable.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
cover + for + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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