pop in
/pɒp ɪn/
Meaning
To make a brief, quick, and informal visit to a place or person, often on the way to somewhere else. It is very similar to 'drop by' but emphasizes that the visit will be particularly short.
Examples
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I need to pop in to the grocery store to buy some milk.
I need to pop in to the grocery store to buy some milk.
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She just popped in for five minutes to deliver the birthday card.
She just popped in for five minutes to deliver the birthday card.
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If you are free, pop in for a chat sometime next week.
If you are free, pop in for a chat sometime next week.
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He popped in on his way home to see how I was feeling.
He popped in on his way home to see how I was feeling.
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I'll pop in to the office tomorrow to sign those papers.
I'll pop in to the office tomorrow to sign those papers.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I popped in my friend yesterday.
✓ I popped in to see my friend yesterday.
You cannot 'pop in' a person directly. You pop in 'to' a place, 'to see' someone, or 'on' someone.
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✗ He popped in inside the room.
✓ He popped in.
Do not use 'inside' with 'pop in'. Use 'pop in' as an intransitive verb, or use 'pop into [place]'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I'll just ___ to the bakery and grab some fresh bread.
💡 Go inside a shop quickly.
Show answer
pop in
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Can I ___ for a quick second to borrow your stapler?
💡 Visit briefly.
Show answer
pop in