What are the definitions of “spring up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Appear suddenly.
Charity shops are SPRINGING UP in the recession.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “spring up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb spring up is to appear suddenly or unexpectedly. It is often used to describe the sudden emergence of new things, such as businesses, ideas, or plants.
What are the different verb forms of “spring up”?
| Root Verb | spring up |
| Third Person Singular Present | springs up |
| Present Participle | springing up |
| Simple Past | sprang up |
| Past Participle | sprung up |
Example
New restaurants spring up in the city all the time.
Example
A new coffee shop springs up on the corner every few months.
Example
Flowers are springing up in the garden as the weather gets warmer.
Example
After the rain, mushrooms sprang up all over the forest floor.
Example
Overnight, a tent city had sprung up in the park.
What kind of phrasal verb is “spring 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
“spring 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
New ideas spring up all the time.
Example
Weeds spring up in the garden if you don't take care of it.
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
“spring 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
New ideas spring up all the time.
Example
Weeds spring up in the garden if you don't take care of it.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “spring up”?
Spring up in conversation
When a topic or subject suddenly becomes the focus of a discussion.
Example
The issue of climate change often springs up in political debates.
Spring up in popularity
When something becomes popular or trendy very quickly.
Example
The new fashion trend sprang up in popularity almost overnight.
Good things to know
Does “spring up” have an informal or formal tone?
Spring up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations.
