SpeakUp

Grammar fix

cover a topic

discuss or include a subject

To talk about, explain, or include information about a particular subject or issue.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The teacher will cover the topic of climate change in tomorrow’s class.study
  • In my presentation, I will cover the topic of healthy eating habits and explain why they are important.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: cover a/an/the topic (of)

WrongWe covered about climate change in class.

RightWe covered climate change in class.

'Cover' takes the topic directly — no 'about'.

Patterncover a/an/the topic (of)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We shall address that subject in due course.

Natural We'll cover that topic later.

'Address that subject in due course' is formal; 'cover a topic' is the everyday verb for teaching/meetings.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • cover a topic
    a lot of groundthe basicsin the lectureeverything

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'mention a topic,' which means to only briefly refer to it.

Try it in Daily Speak →