popping

Everyday

1. Popping is making short sharp bursting sounds, like a balloon or popcorn. tree →
2. Popping somewhere means going there quickly or for a short time. tree →
3. Popping something somewhere means putting it there quickly. tree →
4. Popping up means appearing suddenly. tree →

In the lessons

Science: corn kernels pop because water inside turns to steam and bursts the shell; bubbles pop when their skin breaks. Everyday speech: «I'm popping to the shop», «pop it in the bag». Stories: «eyes popping out» shows surprise. Phrases: popping in, popping out, popping up, popping candy, ears popping on a plane.

Examples

• The popcorn is popping in the pan. tree →
• I'm just popping to the shop for some milk. tree →
• Balloons kept popping at the party. tree →
• My ears were popping as the plane went up. tree →
• New flowers are popping up all over the garden. tree →
• She was popping bubbles in the bath. tree →
• His eyes were popping out of his head with surprise. tree →
• What a whizzing and popping they made as they went off! tree →

Note

-ing form of pop: double the p (popping, popped). «Pop in» = visit for a short time. «Pop» is also a short word for fizzy drinks in some places and for pop music; «popping» does not mean «popular».