Phrasal verbs "pop up" vs "run up"

Differences between pop up and run up

Pop up usually means to appear suddenly or unexpectedly, while run up generally means to approach someone or something quickly and often with a specific purpose.

Meanings and Definitions: pop up vs run up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pop up

  • 1Appear, like windows and boxes opening on a computer screen..

    The dialogue box POPPED UP up when I pressed Enter.

  • 2Appear unexpectedly.

    I'm going to have to work late tonight because something has POPPED UP.

Run up

  • 1Move quickly to where someone is.

    He RAN UP next to me and started shouting.

  • 2Hoist, raise a flag.

    They RAN UP the Union Jack.

  • 3Do or make something very quickly.

    He RAN UP a few examples for them to look at.

  • 4Spend a lot of money on credit.

    He RAN UP a lot of bills at the hotel.

Usage Examples: pop up, run up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pop up

Example

A new window popped up on my computer screen.

Example

She always pops up when you least expect her.

run up

Example

She ran up a list of potential candidates for the job.

Example

He runs up the stairs to catch the bus.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pop up

crop up

To appear or happen suddenly and unexpectedly.

Example

A few problems cropped up during the project, but we managed to solve them quickly.

spring up

To appear or emerge suddenly and rapidly.

Example

New businesses and restaurants are springing up all over the city.

show up

To arrive or appear at a place or event.

Example

I hope he shows up to the party tonight. We haven't seen him in ages.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run up

To move towards someone or something quickly and often with a specific purpose.

Example

She approached him quickly to ask for his help with the heavy boxes.

dash up

To run or move quickly towards someone or something.

Example

He dashed up the stairs to catch the train before it left the station.

sprint towards

To run or move quickly towards someone or something with great speed and effort.

Example

The athlete sprinted towards the finish line and won the race by a fraction of a second.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pop”

Phrasal Verbs with “run”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in pop up vs run up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pop up or run up?

In daily conversation, people use pop up more often than run up. This is because pop up is used for more common situations such as unexpected events or computer windows. Run up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about approaching someone or something quickly. So, while both phrases are used, pop up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pop up and run up

Pop up and run up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pop up and run up

The tone of pop up and run up can differ based on context. Pop up often carries a surprised or curious tone when related to unexpected events or appearances, while run up typically has a more urgent or determined tone, especially when referring to approaching someone or something quickly.

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