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Grammar fix

pop to the shops

go out briefly

To go out for a short time to buy something at the shops, often nearby.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I'm just going to pop to the shops for some milk.leaving the house
  • A: We're out of bread.
    B: I'll pop to the shops, back in five.
    at home

Fix the pattern

Pattern: pop to the shops / pop to [place] (to [do something])

WrongI pop to the shops yesterday.

RightI popped to the shops yesterday.

'Pop' is a normal verb, so use 'popped' for the past, not 'pop'.

Patternpop to the shops / pop to [place] (to [do something])

Don't confuse it

'Pop to the shops' is a quick errand; 'do the shopping' is the bigger weekly trip.

Try it in Daily Speak →