do some errand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do some errand" is not correct in standard English; it should be "run some errands." You can use it when referring to completing small tasks or chores, typically outside the home, such as shopping or delivering something.
Example: "I need to run some errands before I come home."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the morning, Fabis went off to do some errand, and Aura and I got to make love, though not for long, sweetly but anxiously — Aura was nervous about Fabis coming back.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do some errands.

The New York Times - Magazine

After their talk, Bermudez went out to do some errands.

The New Yorker

When I arrived, Sigrid was on her way to do some errands.

The New Yorker

ERRANDS AND LUNCH (Mr. Mintz): Sometimes we'll split off and one of us will go do some errands.

The New York Times

"Just today, I decided that I wanted to run out and do some errands, and decided it would be easiest and cheapest to get a Zipcar," she said.

The New York Times

He recalled how he'd gone out in the morning, a week before, to do some errands and returned that afternoon to "blackness".

The New Yorker

I tried to pop into Dublin to do some errands during the week and so many people were just sharing what it meant to them.

The Guardian - Sport

OBLIGATORY REFERENCE TO SEXUAL PROWESS -- "Then I had to go do some errands, and I left my little sex kitten purring contentedly under the covers".

The New York Times - Books

Once, when Muhammad and I got in his car to do some errands, he told me, "You get in back; I'll drive; and it will be like Driving Miss Daisy".

The Guardian - Sport

Forgoing the usual speeches and beauty shots of cars, the film took the form of a whimsical journey of two young people setting out on a Saturday morning to do some errands, intercut with slogans that captured the new spirit of the brand.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the idiomatic phrase "run some errands" instead of "do some errand" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "do" with "errands". While "do" is a versatile verb, it's not typically used with the noun "errands". The correct phrasing is "run errands" or "go on errands".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do some errand" functions as a verbal phrase aiming to describe an action. However, according to Ludwig, this is not correct in standard English, where "run some errands" is preferred.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "do some errand" might be understood, it's not grammatically correct. Ludwig AI suggests that the correct phrase is "run some errands". The phrase appears infrequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts. To ensure clarity and correctness, it's recommended to use the idiomatic "run some errands" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run some errands

Replaces "do" with "run", which is the idiomatic and grammatically correct way to express performing multiple tasks or chores.

complete a chore

Focuses on finishing a single task, using more formal vocabulary.

take care of some tasks

Uses a broader term "tasks" instead of specific "errands", indicating a wider range of activities.

attend to some business

Implies dealing with responsibilities or formal matters rather than casual chores.

handle a few things

A more vague and colloquial expression for managing several unspecified tasks.

perform some duties

Suggests a more formal or obligatory set of tasks.

accomplish some tasks

Highlights the completion aspect of tasks, implying a sense of achievement.

execute some jobs

Indicates carrying out specific assignments or activities.

undertake some responsibilities

Emphasizes the obligation and importance associated with the tasks.

see to some matters

Implies managing or resolving certain issues or affairs.

FAQs

Is "do some errand" grammatically correct?

No, "do some errand" is not grammatically correct. The correct and more idiomatic phrase is "run some errands".

What's a more common way to say "do some errand"?

A more common and correct way to say "do some errand" is to say "run some errands". This phrase is widely used and understood.

When should I use "run errands" instead of "do some errand"?

Always use "run errands". The phrase "do some errand" is not standard English.

What does it mean to "run errands"?

To "run errands" means to go out and complete various small tasks or chores, such as going to the store, post office, or bank.