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spring up

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To suddenly appear or grow up very quickly, often when many things appear at the same time

Literal meaning: To spring (jump up) suddenly — like a plant or person jumping upward from the ground

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

Of a place, organization, or trend, to appear or develop suddenly, especially in large numbers

"Coffee shops have been springing up all over the neighbourhood in the past year."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral

Of a wind, storm, or natural phenomenon, to begin suddenly

"A strong breeze sprang up just as they launched the yacht."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To rise quickly to one's feet

"She sprang up from her chair when she heard the alarm."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very natural and common in journalistic and descriptive writing. Often describes businesses, buildings, plants, or problems appearing rapidly and in quantity. The 'spring' element conveys both speed and energy. Almost always intransitive.

Commonly used with

businesses cafes buildings problems questions weeds

Forms

Base
spring up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
springs up
he/she/it
Past simple
springed up
yesterday
Past participle
springed up
have + pp
-ing form
springing up
continuous

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Synonyms

pop up emerge appear suddenly mushroom sprout up arise

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