English Reference

Phrasal verb

crop up

Definition

phrasal verb. to happen or appear suddenly, especially when you did not expect it.

phrasal verb. to occur or appear unexpectedly or at intervals. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Examples

“Some small problems always crop up when we start a new project.”

“I'm sorry I'm late, but a few urgent issues cropped up at the office just as I was leaving.”

“While the historical record is largely consistent, several anomalies crop up in the later chapters that challenge the author's primary thesis.”

Examples

simple

“Some small problems always crop up when we start a new project.”

contextual

“I'm sorry I'm late, but a few urgent issues cropped up at the office just as I was leaving.”

complex

“While the historical record is largely consistent, several anomalies crop up in the later chapters that challenge the author's primary thesis.”

Usage

This phrase is intransitive and usually describes problems, names, or topics appearing in a conversation.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'appear' or 'happen'; 'crop up' specifically suggests the event was unplanned or a slight nuisance.

Pitfall

An issue cropped up the meeting.

An issue cropped up during the meeting.

The verb is intransitive, so it cannot be followed directly by a noun acting as an object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

crop + up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Grammar

This entry

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/crop-up

English Reference