The phrasal verb "crop up" is predominantly used in informal contexts to describe something appearing or occurring unexpectedly or suddenly. It is often used in everyday conversations rather than formal writing or speech. Its usage is common when discussing issues, opportunities, or events that arise without prior notice. For example, one might say, "Problems started to crop up during the meeting," indicating unexpected issues that emerged. It suggests a lack of warning and often requires immediate attention or handling. The phrase carries a casual tone, which makes it less suitable for formal reports or professional documents, where more precise or elaborate language might be preferred.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To appear or occur unexpectedly or out of nowhere, often requiring immediate attention or consideration.
New problems kept cropping up during the meeting.
This issue tends to crop up every now and then, often without warning.