errands to run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "errands to run" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a list of tasks or chores that need to be done. For example: "I have a lot of errands to run this afternoon - I need to go to the bank, the grocery store, and post office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He has errands to run, the murderer.

The New Yorker

There will be errands to run.

The New York Times

ODDS AND ENDS Usually I'll have leftover errands to run.

The New York Times

There were always errands to run, I guess, and walls to jump.

The Guardian - Books

As he is on his way to get Aaron, she will tell him what errands to run, and in what order.

The New York Times

He once spent a couple of hours in a bus station watching the bags of a destitute Mexican couple who had errands to run.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

She leaves her son, Richie, with a neighbor, saying that she has a last-minute errand to run for her husband's birthday, and drives without direction.

The New Yorker

Before she could take me to see some sights, she had an errand to run: she had to return a tape to the video store.

The New Yorker

The three novels are structural siblings, in that each covers a day or two in the company of an ordinary man with things to do - a professional errand to run, a girlfriend to meet, a road trip to embark on.

The Guardian - Books

It is full of images of rebirth, the most astonishing of which is the final image of the much older Leo literally revisiting his past and coming away again with yet one more romantic errand to run.

The Guardian - Books

As we said, the usual sensation of a pocket rocket is sort of like being chained to a chipmunk on caffeine hyper-quick reacaffeine hyper-quicklaxed when you just have an ereactionsrun.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning your day, group similar "errands to run" together to save time and fuel. For example, combine all grocery-related errands into one trip.

Common error

While "errands to run" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in formal documents may sound too casual. Opt for more professional alternatives like "tasks to complete" or "obligations to fulfill" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "errands to run" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb like "have" or "need." It describes a set of tasks or short trips that need to be done. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "errands to run" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to describe tasks or short trips that need to be completed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a widely accepted expression suitable for various contexts, including News & Media and more informal settings like Wiki entries. While versatile, remember to consider formality when using it in professional documents. To expand your options, consider using alternatives such as ""tasks to complete"" or "obligations to fulfill" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tasks to complete

Replaces "errands" with a more general term, focusing on the completion aspect.

chores to do

Substitutes "errands" with "chores", implying routine or domestic tasks.

things to do

A more general phrase that encompasses a broader range of activities.

business to take care of

Uses a more formal tone, implying responsibilities or obligations.

appointments to keep

Focuses specifically on scheduled meetings or engagements.

obligations to fulfill

Highlights the mandatory nature of the tasks.

duties to perform

Implies a sense of responsibility and execution of tasks.

items on my to-do list

Refers to a written list of tasks, adding a sense of organization.

things on my plate

Idiomatic expression indicating a busy schedule or workload.

a list of things to get done

Focuses on the completion of a set list of activities.

FAQs

How can I use "errands to run" in a sentence?

You can use "errands to run" to describe tasks you need to complete, such as, "I have several "tasks to complete" and won't be available this afternoon."

What are some alternatives to saying "errands to run"?

Instead of "errands to run", you could say "chores to do", "obligations to fulfill", or simply "things to do".

Is it grammatically correct to say "errands to run"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "errands to run" is a common and accepted way to describe tasks that need to be completed.

What's the difference between "errands to run" and "tasks to complete"?

While both refer to activities that need to be done, "errands to run" often implies short, practical trips or missions, whereas ""tasks to complete"" can refer to any kind of job or activity regardless of its nature.