# pop up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The problem popped up me." but "The problem popped up." — The verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.

## Usage notes

- 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'.

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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.