# pop out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pop-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to leave a place for a short time, usually to do a quick task or errand.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am popping out the office." but "I am popping out of the office." — When mentioning the specific place you are leaving, you must include the preposition 'of' after 'out'.

## Usage notes

- 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'.

---

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.