What are the definitions of “crop up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Appear unexpectedly.
I'm going to be late tonight as something has just CROPPED UP at work.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “crop up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb crop up is to appear or happen unexpectedly, usually referring to a problem, issue, or event. It is often used when something unexpected occurs that requires attention or action.
What are the different verb forms of “crop up”?
| Root Verb | crop up |
| Third Person Singular Present | crops up |
| Present Participle | cropping up |
| Simple Past | cropped up |
| Past Participle | cropped up |
Example
I hope no problems crop up during the event.
Example
She always has a solution when a problem crops up.
Example
New issues are cropping up every day.
Example
An unexpected issue cropped up during the meeting.
Example
Several problems have cropped up since the project started.
What kind of phrasal verb is “crop up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“crop up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
A new issue cropped up at work today.
Example
Unexpected challenges often crop up in life.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“crop up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
A new issue cropped up at work today.
Example
Unexpected challenges often crop up in life.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “crop up”?
Crop up unexpectedly
To appear or happen suddenly and without warning.
Example
The deadline was moved because new tasks cropped up unexpectedly.
Good things to know
Does “crop up” have an informal or formal tone?
Crop up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or written reports.
