a grocery run

USAGE SUMMARY

'a grocery run' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a short outing to the grocery store for the purpose of buying groceries. For example: "I need to go on a grocery run before dinner so we have some food for tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The other morning, I went for a grocery run.

The New York Times

As she walked in Prospect Park after a grocery run, she heard a man's voice behind her and turned around.

The New York Times

There was Lisa Mui, an unemployed bartender from Sheepshead Bay who had accompanied her mother on a grocery run.

The New York Times

Renting items like car seats and making a grocery run, once you've arrived, for diapers and other bulky items instead of lugging them with you can help.

The New York Times - Travel

Within an hour or so of leaving, Ms. Calas had gone on a grocery run for the woman with money she'd collected, and dispatched someone to unclog her sink.

The New York Times

Community matters, and if what your neighbor needs is a grocery run, some hot soup or a reminder to keep drinking water during a heat wave, you can make an important difference.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Getting caught while following a target on a grocery-run isn't doing anyone any good.

WikiHow

In the three weeks since the fire, they had left the area only once, on a quick grocery run.

The New Yorker

The two scouting bees dance to indicate a successful grocery run; the length of the dance conveys the amplitude of the food source.

Forbes

Nothing says for better or worse like a joint grocery run, right?

Los Angeles Times

Dicky Neely, 70, previously received $26 per month in SNAP benefits, which he would let accumulate on his electronic benefits transfer card until he had enough for a substantial grocery run.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grocery run" to describe a short, quick trip to the grocery store for essential items. It implies a sense of urgency or brevity.

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, avoid using "a grocery run" in highly formal writing or professional reports. Opt for more formal alternatives like "grocery shopping" or "a trip to the grocery store".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grocery run" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a common way to refer to the act of going to a store to buy groceries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grocery run" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a short, quick trip to the grocery store for essential items. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its slightly informal tone suggests avoiding it in formal writing. The phrase is most prevalent in news and media contexts, indicating its wide acceptance in general communication. For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "grocery shopping" or "a trip to the grocery store". Overall, "a grocery run" is a useful and well-understood phrase for everyday conversation and writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supermarket trip

Emphasizes the location (supermarket) rather than the purpose.

a shopping trip for groceries

More descriptive and specifies the purpose of the shopping trip.

an errand for groceries

Focuses on the task aspect of obtaining groceries.

a visit to the grocery store

More formal and less concise than "a grocery run".

a quick trip to the store for food

Highlights the speed and purpose of the trip.

a food shopping excursion

More elaborate and emphasizes the outing aspect.

food shopping

A gerund form of the verb, less direct than the noun phrase.

grocery shopping

A general term for the activity, lacking the specific 'run' connotation of a quick trip.

a food resupply

Emphasizes replenishing the food supply rather than a simple outing.

a provisioning trip

More formal and less common, suggesting a more substantial stocking up.

FAQs

What does "a grocery run" mean?

The phrase "a grocery run" refers to a quick trip to a grocery store to purchase essential items. It suggests a short and focused shopping trip.

Is "grocery run" formal or informal?

The term "grocery run" is generally considered informal but widely accepted in everyday conversation and writing. In more formal settings, consider using "grocery shopping" or "a trip to the grocery store".

What can I say instead of "a grocery run"?

You can use alternatives like "a supermarket trip", "grocery shopping", or "a shopping trip for groceries" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a grocery run"?

It's appropriate to use "a grocery run" in casual conversations, informal emails, and blog posts. However, it's best to avoid it in formal reports or academic papers.