Words / B2

ER-uh-nd/ˈerənd/

An errand is a short trip to do a small job, such as posting a letter or buying something: run an errand; on an errand. Task is broader; chore is household; message is dated. An errand in the time-use diary still needs the minutes. Mix-up: errand vs error (already in the dictionary); errant; do not write errand for a long journey or a full-time job.

Meaning

A short trip to do a small job, such as posting a letter or buying something.

Examples

• “An errand in the time-use diary still needs the minutes, the survey said.”
• “A royal errand featured in the chronicle, which is the messenger sense — still name the year.”

Good to know

run / go on an errand; on an errand for. Close: task / chore. Trap: error / errant. Methods, history, and citizenship. A short trip to do a small job — quote the minutes, not a career.

Near in meaning

task, chore, message

New