The mountains are covered by snow vs. The mountains are covered with snow.

[D.C. Foster]

I'm having a disagreement with a someone over the following sentences: "The mountains are covered by snow." and "The mountains are covered with snow."

I said it was with because that is what we always say (in Canada where there's lots) but he thought it was 'by' since that's what you use with the passive many times. Is there one that is more correct than the other?

Thanks.

 

[SoothingDave]

I would use "with."

 

[Tarheel]

Kilimanjaro
http://www.eightup.co.uk/eight-climbs/mount-kilimanjaro/

 

[Raymott]

"covered" is an adjective.
1) "The toast was covered with jam." - adjective
2) "The toast was covered with jam by Mother." - passive
Only "mother" needs 'by' by virtue of being passive. 'Jam' doesn't, and nor does 'snow' in your sentence.

 

[emsr2d2]

I would use "with". You will hear "covered by ..." and most of us would know what was meant.

 

[Grumpy]

You may also hear "covered in..."

 

[Raymott]

"Are you covered against floods?"
"Are you covered for Thursday afternoon?"