errand
/ˈer.ənd/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A short trip you make to do a small job, such as buying something or delivering something. It is usually quick and practical.
- I need to run an errand after work.
- She went out on an errand for her mother.
- I have a few errands to do this morning.
Adinary Nuance
An errand is a small task that usually involves going somewhere. It is more specific than task, which can be mental or physical and may happen anywhere. It is also more practical and everyday than mission, which sounds bigger or more important. Use errand for ordinary things like shopping, posting a letter, or picking something up.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- việc vặt
- Spanish
- mandado
- Chinese
- 差事
- Japanese
- 用事
- Korean
- 심부름
Etymology
Errand comes from Old English and Old Norse forms meaning a message or mission. Over time, it came to mean a small task that requires a short trip.
Common phrases
run an erranderrands to doon an errand
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is errand the same as task?
- Not exactly. An errand is a small job that usually involves going somewhere.
- Is errand formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in everyday English.
- Can I say run an errand?
- Yes. This is the most common phrase with errand.
- What kind of things are errands?
- Buying groceries, posting mail, or collecting something are common errands.