Phrasal verb
pop out
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave a place for a short time, usually to do a quick task or errand.
phrasal verb. to exit a location briefly with the intent of returning shortly. This intransitive phrasal verb is frequently used in spoken discourse to describe minor errands.
Examples
“I need to pop out to the shops for some milk.”
“She told her colleagues she would pop out for ten minutes to put some money in the parking meter.”
“The witness claimed he saw the suspect pop out of the side entrance just moments before the alarm was triggered by the security system.”
Examples
simple
“I need to pop out to the shops for some milk.”
contextual
“She told her colleagues she would pop out for ten minutes to put some money in the parking meter.”
complex
“The witness claimed he saw the suspect pop out of the side entrance just moments before the alarm was triggered by the security system.”
Usage
This is an intransitive verb and does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Highlight the 'quickness' implied by the verb 'pop' and contrast it with the more neutral 'go out'.
Pitfall
I am popping out the office.
I am popping out of the office.
When mentioning the specific place you are leaving, you must include the preposition 'of' after 'out'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
pop + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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