Which one is correct? Why?
and why not the other 2.
Correct: The rights of jobless citizens are not covered by these laws is the correct answer.
Firstly, let’s look at the verb “covered” which means to place something over an item. For example, to cover a table with a cloth.
That’s why we do not use the preposition “in”. Because the verb cover means to go over or on top of something else. There is an exception to this rule when speaking of two things that stick together. For example, you can be covered in honey. It sticks to your skin. Or a strawberry covered in chocolate.
This leaves both with or by. However, when discussing the idea of covering something (therefore speaking metaphorically) instead of actually covering something, we use the preposition by.
The car accident will be covered by my insurance.
(Not literally placed over my car)
The Football finals will be covered by channel 7 sports.
(the channel is not on top of the game as they play).
If it was something that was actually put on top of another thing, we would be able to use the word “with”.
Example:
I covered my mouth with my hand as I yawned.
