grocery errand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grocery errand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task or chore involving shopping for groceries. Example: "I need to run a grocery errand before dinner to pick up some essentials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Angelique, a bartender, looks like Jennifer Garner on a grocery errand.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though she pursued further studies and wrote, Aung San Suu Kyi did bring up children, darn socks and run grocery errands.

The Guardian

Both men were in their 60s and Mr. Cintron was ailing, so Mr. O'Hare often took care of laundry and grocery errands.

The New York Times

It never hurts to ask your guests what they like for breakfast, if they have any allergies, or if there's any snack they absolutely love before they stay with you, so you're prepared with something they like and don't get stuck running any grocery errands.

WikiHow

In addition, the Studio offers grocery and errand concierge service, wine and sommelier consulting, chef services, cooking parties and dietary and nutrition counseling.

Huffington Post

Start your own grocery and errand running service, this will be especially helpful to the elderly, new moms and very busy households - offer special discounts.

WikiHow

Shopping for groceries, running errands, doing (some of) the housework — none of this was easy with all my kids underfoot.

The Washington Post

Other gig economy companies that offer on-demand delivery of groceries, home errands, or short-term rentals of products, are used by 2-62-6% Americans.

The Guardian - Tech

a 22 PAInIN56 In the past 7 days, how irritable did you feel because of pain? a 23 PAInIN14 In the past 7 days, how much did pain interfere with doing your tasks away from home (e.g., getting groceries, running errands)?

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Do you need help with groceries and errands?

Huffington Post

For example, most people regularly need to perform tasks such as grocery shopping, running errands, paying bills, picking up children from school, shopping for gifts, and so on.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grocery errand", consider the context and audience. While grammatically correct, more common alternatives like "grocery run" may be more appropriate for informal settings. To create some emphasis and variety, you may also use a synonymous such as "trip to the grocery store".

Common error

While correct, "grocery errand" can sound slightly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for more natural-sounding alternatives like "grocery run" or "getting groceries" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grocery errand" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific type of task or chore: going to the store to buy groceries. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in English, denoting a task involving shopping for groceries.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

24%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grocery errand" is a grammatically sound noun phrase denoting a trip to the store for groceries. While confirmed as usable by Ludwig, it's less common than alternatives like "grocery run". Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, although more casual options might be preferred in informal settings. The phrase is primarily found in news and media, wikis, and academic sources. When writing, consider your audience; in casual settings, "grocery run" or "getting groceries" might be better choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grocery run

A more concise and common way to describe a quick trip to the grocery store.

Trip to the grocery store

A more explicit and literal description of going to the grocery store.

Grocery shopping trip

Highlights the activity of shopping specifically for groceries.

Errand to buy groceries

Focuses on the errand aspect with the purpose of buying groceries.

Food shopping

A broader term encompassing the purchase of food items.

Stocking up on groceries

Emphasizes the action of replenishing grocery supplies.

Getting groceries

A simple and direct way of saying acquiring groceries.

Marketing

A term mostly common in UK. It denotes the action of doing the groceries.

Picking up groceries

Focuses on obtaining groceries, often quickly or conveniently.

Grocery expedition

A more whimsical way to describe the action of purchasing groceries.

FAQs

What does "grocery errand" mean?

A "grocery errand" refers to a short trip or task specifically for the purpose of buying groceries or essential food items.

Is "grocery errand" formal or informal?

The term "grocery errand" is more formal. Common substitutes such as "grocery run" or "getting groceries" sound less formal.

How can I use "grocery errand" in a sentence?

You can say: "I need to make a quick grocery errand to pick up milk and bread" or "She asked him to run a grocery errand while she finished cooking".

What are some alternatives to "grocery errand"?

Alternatives include "grocery run", "trip to the grocery store", "shopping for groceries", or simply "getting groceries".