under separate cover

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phraseformal

   In a different envelope, parcel or message from the one you are now reading.

   Grammar: Used after a verb such as send or mail: the invoice is sent under separate cover.

   Patterns

   • send something under separate cover
   • be mailed under separate cover

   The signed contract will follow under separate cover.

   We are sending the catalog under separate cover, so you should receive it on Friday.

   Please forward the receipts under separate cover rather than attaching them to this letter.

Common combinations

send under separate cover

I will send the photographs under separate cover.

mail under separate cover

The samples were mailed under separate cover.

enclosed under separate cover

The report is provided under separate cover.

follow under separate cover

Details will follow under separate cover.

Synonyms and how they differ

separately

Separately is the plain everyday word, whereas under separate cover sounds like formal business correspondence.

in a separate email

This is the modern equivalent and is clearer when no paper is involved.

by separate post

By separate post is the British equivalent but is limited to physical mail.

Opposites

Word family

cover noun

here meaning an envelope or wrapper

separate adjective

apart from something else

separately adverb

on its own, not together

covering letter noun

a letter that accompanies documents

Commonly confused: under separate cover or under cover?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “under separate cover”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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