run errands

USAGE SUMMARY

"run errands" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use it when referring to completing tasks such as shopping or other activities that are necessary, but not very important. For example, "I need to run some errands today before I can focus on the important tasks of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll run errands.

The New York Times

Run errands, but watch for white vans.

The New York Times

They didn't run errands at lunch.

Harvard Business Review

I would take her to run errands.

The New York Times

Little said that she was leaving to run errands.

The New Yorker

Nisman often dispatched them to run errands, leaving himself unprotected.

The New Yorker

Close relatives do not work, cook or run errands.

The New York Times

He will just run errands for the President.

The New York Times

He required someone to run errands and walk his dog.

The New Yorker

At 10, she went out to vote and run errands.

The New York Times

"We run errands and take them to their doctors' appointments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific context of your sentence. "Run errands" is suitable for everyday tasks like grocery shopping or going to the post office. Avoid using it for more formal or significant undertakings.

Common error

Avoid using "run errands" in formal business or academic writing. Instead, opt for phrases like "complete tasks", "attend to matters", or "handle responsibilities" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run errands" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the action of performing various small tasks or chores, such as shopping, going to the bank, or picking up dry cleaning. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

20%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run errands" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of completing various small tasks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and informal settings. While versatile, it is important to consider the tone and context of your writing, opting for more formal alternatives like "complete tasks" or "attend to matters" in professional or academic settings. The phrase is neutral in register and serves the primary function of conveying the act of completing routine tasks, making it a practical and frequently used expression in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do chores

This alternative is a more general term for completing household tasks or errands.

complete tasks

This alternative focuses on the completion of specific tasks, which may include errands.

take care of things

This alternative is a broader term that encompasses handling various tasks and responsibilities.

take care of business

This alternative is more idiomatic and implies handling important tasks or responsibilities.

handle business

Similar to "take care of business", this implies managing tasks or responsibilities effectively.

get things done

This alternative emphasizes the completion of tasks, often with a sense of urgency or efficiency.

attend to matters

This alternative suggests a more formal and deliberate approach to handling tasks.

see to things

This alternative implies ensuring that tasks are properly managed or completed.

perform duties

This alternative suggests a more formal and obligatory set of tasks.

do the shopping

This focuses specifically on the shopping aspect of running errands.

FAQs

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

You can use "run errands" in a sentence to describe the act of completing various small tasks. For example, "I need to "run errands" this afternoon, including going to the grocery store and the bank."

What are some alternatives to saying "run errands"?

Some alternatives to "run errands" include "do chores", "complete tasks", or "take care of business", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "running errands" instead of "run errands"?

Yes, "running errands" is also correct. "Run errands" is the base form, while "running errands" is the gerund form, which can be used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. For example, "Running errands is part of my daily routine."

What's the difference between "run errands" and "do the shopping"?

"Run errands" is a broader term that includes various tasks like going to the post office, dry cleaner, or bank. "Do the shopping" is more specific and refers only to purchasing goods from stores.