bubble up

USAGE SUMMARY

"bubble up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase as a verb to describe when something rises suddenly or quickly in a bubbling motion, or to describe when something that is hidden suddenly becomes visible. For example, "The enthusiasm of the crowd began to bubble up as the music started playing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They bubble up".

The New York Times

It may bubble up, so be careful.

The New York Times - Health

"Great ideas bubble up under stress".

The New York Times

Mixture will bubble up and may spatter.

The New York Times - Food

It did not just bubble up recently.

The New York Times - Magazine

She watched the face and ears bubble up and pop.

The New Yorker

BUBBLE UP is a nice entry, as is PENALTY BOX.

The New York Times

The word "cunt" didn't bubble up by accident.

The New Yorker

Yes, when Clinton's email problems bubble up, they get covered.

The Washington Post

Add the wine, letting it bubble up and evaporate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We let it all bubble up from the unconscious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bubble up" to describe the spontaneous generation of ideas, emotions, or problems, especially when they arise from a less obvious or controlled source.

Common error

While "bubble up" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in highly formal writing where more sophisticated alternatives like "emerge" or "arise" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bubble up" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, describing something that rises or emerges spontaneously. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

17%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "bubble up" is a common and correct way to describe something that rises spontaneously or becomes visible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and usability across various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Academic and Wiki sources. Although its tone is generally neutral, caution should be exercised in overly formal contexts, where alternatives like "emerge" or "arise" might be more appropriate. Remember that "bubble up" conveys a sense of spontaneous generation, making it ideal for describing the sudden appearance of ideas, emotions, or problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surface

Highlights the action of reaching the top or becoming apparent.

spring up

Implies a sudden and rapid appearance or development.

emerge

Focuses on the act of coming out into view or rising from obscurity.

come to light

Emphasizes the revealing of something previously hidden.

arise

Suggests something coming into existence or becoming noticeable.

become apparent

Stresses the act of something becoming clear or obvious.

gain prominence

Highlights the process of becoming well-known or important.

percolate

Indicates a gradual and subtle development or spread.

materialize

Suggests the process of something becoming real or tangible.

rise to the top

Focuses on achieving a position of prominence or success.

FAQs

How can I use "bubble up" in a sentence?

You can use "bubble up" to describe ideas that spontaneously arise, like in the sentence: "Great ideas "bubble up" under stress."

What does "bubble up" mean?

The phrase "bubble up" means to rise to the surface, literally or figuratively. Figuratively, it often describes emotions or ideas that become apparent.

What can I say instead of "bubble up"?

Alternatives to "bubble up" include "emerge", "surface", or "arise", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "bubble up" in professional writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In some professional contexts, more formal alternatives like "arise" or "emerge" might be more suitable.