Use errand for a brief practical task outside the home or workplace. The common verbs are run, do, go on, and send someone on an errand.
Use errand for a brief practical task outside the home or workplace. The common verbs are run, do, go on, and send someone on an errand.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| I need to make an errand | I need to run an errand |
| She went to an errand | She went on an errand |
| I have some errands to make | I have some errands to run |
Use errand in this sense mainly in phrases such as fool's errand, errand of mercy, or what is your errand? In ordinary modern speech, purpose, mission, or message is usually clearer.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| It was a fool errand | It was a fool's errand |
| What errand you have here? | What is your errand here? |
| They sent him in an errand of mercy | They sent him on an errand of mercy |
Most modern use is practical and everyday: run an errand, do errands, send someone on an errand. The mission sense is useful in fixed phrases, especially fool's errand.
Make an errand sounds unnatural. Use run an errand for one task, run errands for several, and keep the possessive in fool's errand.
From Old English ǣrende, meaning message, mission, or business, from a West Germanic source. The older sense of a message or mission survives in formal and literary uses, while modern everyday English most often uses it for short practical tasks.
What does errand mean?
An errand is a small practical task, usually one that involves going somewhere.
What does run an errand mean?
To run an errand means to go out and do a small task, such as buying something or picking something up.
Is errand countable?
Yes. You can say an errand, two errands, or some errands.
Do you say make an errand or run an errand?
The natural phrase is run an errand. Make an errand is not standard.
What is the difference between an errand and a chore?
A chore is any routine task. An errand usually involves going somewhere to do the task.
What does fool's errand mean?
A fool's errand is a task or effort that is pointless or almost certain to fail.
Can errand mean a mission?
Yes, but that sense is formal or literary in modern English.