run the errand

USAGE SUMMARY

"run the errand" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to completing a specific task or chore, often involving going somewhere to deliver or collect something. Example: "I need to run the errand before the store closes." Alternative expressions include "do the errand" and "make the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Now the elder Mr. Capano, whose wife also died recently, said he wished that he had run the errand, instead of his son.

The New York Times

I had to run the errand another day, and when I was in Campo Viera I told the story just like I'm telling you.

The New Yorker

Run the errand furthest away first and work your way back to the house.

Huffington Post

Only the other day I had to restore my iPad to its original state and trusted iTunes to run the errand for me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They didn't run the errands.

The New York Times

I'll have to run the errands for a while".

The New York Times - Magazine

When the doctor asks a local detail man to take a moment and photocopy some articles for him, he has to be willing to run the errands.

Harvard Business Review

AFTER you have run the errands that have accumulated all week, a night out is in order, and the pizza parlor just won't cut it.

The New York Times

"The guest was very selective about his clothes," says Abisror, who dispatched a battery of personal shoppers to run the errands.

Forbes

Once I'd finished, I felt like I had already run the errands.

Vice

If a friend is free, can they run the errands for you?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run the errand" when you want to emphasize the act of going somewhere to complete a task, such as picking up groceries or delivering a package.

Common error

Avoid using "run the errand" interchangeably with phrases like "do an errand" if the context emphasizes the errand as part of a list or series of activities. "Run the errand" typically highlights a single, specific trip or task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run the errand" functions as a verb phrase. It typically involves a subject performing the action of going to a specific location to complete a task. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run the errand" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe the act of going somewhere to complete a specific task. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media. When writing, remember to consider that "run the errand" refers to a particular task, whereas ""run errands"" indicates multiple tasks. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately use this phrase in your writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do the errand

Replaces "run" with "do", offering a more direct and simple alternative.

complete the errand

Focuses on finishing the task, emphasizing the completion aspect.

take care of the errand

Highlights the responsibility of handling the task.

handle the errand

Similar to "take care of", emphasizing management of the task.

perform the errand

A more formal way to express doing the task.

execute the errand

Emphasizes the action and carrying out of the task.

undertake the errand

A more formal alternative, suggesting a commitment to the task.

see to the errand

Focuses on ensuring the errand is properly managed and completed.

attend to the errand

Highlights the need to give attention and effort to the task.

manage the errand

Emphasizes the organizational aspect of completing the errand.

FAQs

How do I use "run the errand" in a sentence?

You can say "I need to "run the errand" before the store closes" or "She asked him to "run the errand" for her".

What can I say instead of "run the errand"?

You can use alternatives like "do the errand", "complete the errand", or "take care of the errand depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I will run errands" instead of "I will run the errand"?

Yes, "I will "run errands"" is correct when referring to multiple tasks. "I will "run the errand"" refers to a specific, identified task.

What's the difference between "run an errand" and "run the errand"?

"Run an errand" is used when referring to any errand in general, while ""run the errand"" refers to a particular, specific errand known to both the speaker and the listener.