crop up again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crop up again" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that reappears or occurs again after a period of absence. Example: "The issue with the software seems to crop up again every few months, despite our attempts to fix it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some people attain their goal only to find that old habits crop up again later.

Harvard University

It was gratifying to see the jazz band storyline crop up again, even only for - what was it?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Consider the names that crop up again and again in lyrics: Saul Bellow, James Joyce, Jack Kerouac, Dylan Thomas.

The Guardian - Music

However, after working with a lot, you do begin to see the same mistakes crop up again and again.

The Guardian

His essay on cannibalism introduces devices that crop up again and again among the essayists that followed through the centuries.

The Guardian - Books

And if you look at the literature on organizational culture and leadership, those two buckets crop up again and again.

Harvard Business Review

Either way, don't be surprised to see the baby demon crop up again in a constantly branching quest that yields different results every time.

Independent

But if we look at the stressors that kind of crop up again and again and again, a couple of things come up.

Harvard Business Review

Looking through the ranks of the audience, and seeing the Chanel jacket crop up again and again, from front-row couture client to standing fashion students, you were arrested by the continuing universality of that style Coco Chanel herself originated.

Independent

I did not anticipate, even when I watched 1970s styles crop up again and again on the catwalks for this season's collections, that I would be wearing flares either on this page, or in real life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The plot is set in motion when, on the third page, its hero, Barry Fairbrother, falls down dead in the car park of the "smug little golf club"; "smug" and "complacent" are words that crop up again and again.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crop up again", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the sense of something recurring, especially after a period of absence or resolution. This phrase is useful for describing recurring problems, issues, or even opportunities.

Common error

While "crop up again" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Instead, opt for synonyms like "reemerge" or "recur" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crop up again" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating the recurrence or reappearance of something. It implies that a problem, issue, or topic emerges once more, often unexpectedly. Ludwig AI validates this usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crop up again" is a common and correct phrasal verb used to describe the recurrence or reappearance of something, typically an issue or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though more formal situations may benefit from synonyms like "reemerge" or "recur". While the phrase is widely used in news, academic writing, and general conversation, it's important to be mindful of the tone and audience to ensure the chosen vocabulary is appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when selecting between "crop up again" and its related phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come up again

A direct synonym, similar in meaning and usage.

reappear

Indicates a simple return after being out of sight or missing.

reemerge

Implies a return to prominence or visibility after being absent or obscure.

recur

Suggests a repeated occurrence, often at regular intervals.

resurface

Similar to 'surface again', suggesting something previously hidden.

surface again

Implies that something hidden is revealed anew.

return

A more general term for coming back.

materialize again

Suggests something becoming real or visible after a period of absence.

happen again

A simpler way to express the idea of recurrence.

present itself again

Implies an opportunity or situation becoming available once more.

FAQs

How can I use "crop up again" in a sentence?

You can use "crop up again" to describe something that reappears or recurs after a period of absence. For example, "The same technical issues seem to "crop up again" every few months."

What's a more formal alternative to "crop up again"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "reemerge", "recur", or "reappear". These options often provide a more polished and professional tone.

Is it correct to say 'crop up and up again'?

While grammatically understandable, "crop up and up again" is redundant. The phrase "crop up again" already implies recurrence, so adding "and up" doesn't add value and can sound awkward. Stick to simply using ""crop up again"".

What's the difference between "crop up" and "crop up again"?

"Crop up" means to appear or occur unexpectedly. "Crop up again" specifically means to reappear or recur, implying that something has occurred before. The addition of "again" emphasizes the repeated nature of the occurrence.