# crop up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crop-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "An issue cropped up the meeting." but "An issue cropped up during the meeting." — The verb is intransitive, so it cannot be followed directly by a noun acting as an object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.