Phrasal verb
pop up
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
pop up
Past
popped up
Past participle
popped up
Definition
phrasal verb. to appear suddenly or unexpectedly, often when you are not looking for it. You use this when a person arrives by surprise or a new window opens on your computer.
phrasal verb. to appear or occur suddenly and unexpectedly. The verb is intransitive and functions as a phrasal verb of movement or appearance.
Examples
“A notification pops up on my phone every time I get an email.”
“I hadn't seen him in years, but he suddenly popped up at the wedding last weekend.”
“While the software is generally stable, minor bugs tend to pop up whenever a new update is installed on older hardware.”
Examples
simple
“A notification pops up on my phone every time I get an email.”
contextual
“I hadn't seen him in years, but he suddenly popped up at the wedding last weekend.”
complex
“While the software is generally stable, minor bugs tend to pop up whenever a new update is installed on older hardware.”
Usage
This phrase is common in both digital contexts and casual social situations.
Teaching tip
Help students visualize the 'pop' sound to remember the suddenness of the appearance, and contrast it with the more formal 'arise'.
Pitfall
The problem popped up me.
The problem popped up.
The verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
pop + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Domains
- 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
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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