run the errands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run the errands" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to completing various small tasks or chores, typically involving going out to do them. Example: "I need to run the errands before the store closes." Alternative expressions include "do the errands" and "take care of the errands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 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

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

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

That was when women began to joke that a wife was something they themselves wanted to have — to run the errands, handle the chores and do the scut work — meaning it was not something they themselves wanted to be.

The New York Times - Magazine

And because the two refuse to get a home health attendant, the eldest sister must run the errands, despite her own osteoporosis, difficulties with the stairs and a wobbly banister in the building.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

Everywhere I look, people are running the errands they won't remember by this time tomorrow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run the errands", ensure the context clearly indicates that the tasks involve short trips or local travel to accomplish them.

Common error

Avoid using "run the errands" when referring to scheduled meetings or appointments. "Errands" typically imply shorter, less structured tasks, while "appointments" suggest a fixed time and place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run the errands" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of performing various small tasks or chores, often involving going to different places. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run the errands" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to describe the action of completing various small tasks that require travel. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. While not exceedingly frequent, it appears in a variety of reliable sources, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Consider alternatives like "do the chores" or "handle the tasks" depending on the specific context. Be mindful to differentiate "errands" from scheduled "appointments" for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do the chores

Focuses on routine household tasks, implying less urgency or external locations.

handle the tasks

Emphasizes managing and completing required activities, potentially with a broader scope.

take care of business

More idiomatic, suggesting handling responsibilities efficiently, often in a professional context.

complete the tasks

Highlights the act of finishing assigned duties, possibly with a formal tone.

attend to the duties

Implies a sense of responsibility and focus on specific obligations.

see to the tasks

Suggests ensuring the tasks are properly done, with a supervisory aspect.

get the jobs done

Emphasizes achieving completion of various tasks, possibly with a sense of effort.

take care of the responsibilities

Focuses on handling duties and being accountable.

execute the tasks

Suggests a formal and planned approach to carrying out the duties.

discharge the duties

Implies fulfilling obligations, often in a formal or official context.

FAQs

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

You can use "run the errands" to describe the act of completing various small tasks that require you to go out, for example: "I need to "run the errands" before the store closes."

What is the difference between "run errands" and "do errands"?

Both "run errands" and "do errands" are correct and commonly used. There is no significant difference in meaning, and either can be used depending on personal preference.

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

You can use alternatives like "do the chores", "handle the tasks", or "complete the tasks" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "running errands"?

Yes, "running errands" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It is the present participle form of "run errands" and is often used to describe the activity of doing errands.