Same verb · different particle
Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 4 one at a time, then test yourself.
to visit a place or person for a short time, usually casually and without much planning
Examples
I'll pop in on my way home and see how your mum's doing.
She popped in for a cuppa but couldn't stay long.
Common mistake
Learners often say 'visit shortly', which sounds formal; 'pop in' is the natural spoken choice.
to go out somewhere for a short time and come back soon
Examples
I'm just going to pop out for some milk, back in five.
She's popped out to the shop, can I take a message?
Common mistake
Don't use it for a long absence — 'pop out' is always brief.
To go out for a short time to buy something at the shops, often nearby.
Examples
I'm just going to pop to the shops for some milk.
A: We're out of bread.
B: I'll pop to the shops, back in five.
Common mistake
Not: I pop to the shops yesterday.
Say: I popped to the shops yesterday.
'Pop' is a normal verb, so use 'popped' for the past, not 'pop'.
Another example
A: I'm going to nip out to the shop quickly. (neutral)
B: Just gonna pop to the shops. (casual)
when a window, message or notification appears suddenly on your screen
Examples
A message popped up saying my storage was full.
These ads keep popping up and I can't close them.
Common mistake
Don't say 'a window appeared up' — it 'popped up' or 'a pop-up appeared'.
Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.
Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.