errand

USAGE SUMMARY

'errand' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a short journey made in order to do a task or favour for someone. For example, "I had to run an errand to the store this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A student who filed a false corruption charge against the former chief of Sydney Water passed on the allegations as an "errand" for his brother, the former Liberal staffer Tim Koelma, an inquiry has heard.

The Guardian

We have tried to update the page every time he breaks one of his own records, but it's a fool's errand; he will only break them again and render the words outdated.

The Guardian - Sport

In the thoroughly un-festive ending, a newly evil Blackadder insults the queen and Prince Albert, then sends his retainer on an errand to the butcher's shop.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And trying to beat the market was a fool's errand for almost everyone.

The Economist

He crosses into Piedras Negras every day to have lunch, to buy his cholesterol medicine or to run some other errand.

The Economist

If they have no money they are frog-marched to a cash-point.In this section Gordon's manifesto Fools' errand Trident tested Smarter and harder Braced for impact The clip joints and the church school The man with the plans ReprintsFew pity the dupes who fall for this scam.

The Economist

When Sir Colin left, he wrote to a friend: "Better to go out as I came in: unreliable and with an open mind".In this section Down these not-so-mean streets The end of the space race Bitter fortunes A fuel's errand Tramspotting Pox Britannica Ringing a bell A final farewell Internship Reprints Related topics Wolfgang Amadeus MozartHe stayed open-minded, but eventually mellowed.

The Economist

According to Mr Hetzel, this is a fool's errand if central bankers do not know how their actions affect the economy or why particular events occurred.

The Economist

The task of resolving America's heated debate about the use of racial preferences in university admissions looks, indeed, like something of a fool's errand.

The Economist

As a teenager Mr Lee had served as an errand boy for Seoul's police and knew every nook and cranny of the city.

The Economist

But after Mr Ghani left the government in a huff he was badly missed.In this section Taking up arms Fuel's errand Stranded Political surgery Ashraf Ghani against the chaos ReprintsMr Karzai was a disaster.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "errand", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the scale and importance of the task. Use it for simple, often routine tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "errand" for significant or complex projects; this can undermine the importance of the task. Instead, consider using words like "mission" or "project".

Linguistic Context

The word "errand" primarily functions as a noun referring to a short trip taken to perform a specific task. It can also function as a verb, meaning to send someone on such a trip. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "errand" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting a short journey to complete a task or the act of sending someone on such a journey. With "errand" having wide application across varied sources, as evidenced by Ludwig, context is crucial in its appropriate usage. While grammatically correct, avoid using "errand" for complex projects or formal situations, and when it comes to alternatives, "task", "chore", and "mission" can be employed depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

errand run

Emphasizes the action of performing the "errand".

task

A more general term for a piece of work to be done.

mission

Implies a more important or strategic purpose than a simple "errand".

personal task

Rephrases the purpose behind the "errand" as personal, often done for oneself.

chore

Suggests a routine or domestic task.

quick trip

Similar to short trip, implies traveling for an "errand", with focus on speed.

assignment

Refers to a specific task given to someone.

short trip

Focuses on the physical act of traveling for a purpose.

undertaking

A more formal term for a task, often implying a significant project.

business trip

Implies a more formal and potentially extended purpose of traveling.

FAQs

How do I use "errand" in a sentence?

You can use "errand" as a noun to describe a short trip to accomplish a task, such as "I need to run an errand to the grocery store". It can also be used as a verb, meaning to send someone on an errand.

What can I say instead of "errand"?

You can use alternatives like "task", "chore", or "mission" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "run an errand" or "do an errand"?

"Run an errand" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "do an errand" isn't incorrect, it's less frequently used.

What's the difference between "errand" and "task"?

An "errand" usually involves a trip or journey to accomplish something, while a "task" is a more general term for any piece of work that needs to be done. A task could be an "errand", but it could also be something else.