Errand
/ˈɛrənd/
nounB1
Definition
An errand is a small task or job that requires you to go somewhere, usually outside your home, to do something like shopping, delivering a letter, or picking up something. It is usually quick and simple, not a big or long activity.
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See It in Action
A short trip to do a small job or task
- •I need to run an errand to the bank before lunch.
- •She went out on an errand to buy some bread.
- •Can you do me a quick errand and pick up the mail?
A task or duty that involves going somewhere
- •His daily errands include dropping off the dry cleaning.
- •The child was sent on an errand to deliver a note to the teacher.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "errand" like "task," but one that needs you to go somewhere to finish it
- ✓Picture yourself going to the store to buy milk or dropping a letter at the post office
- ✓It's the feeling of being busy for a short time, doing a small but necessary job
- ✓Sounds like "air-and" → imagine carrying something light ("air") while you quickly move from place to place
- ✓In stories or movies, characters often run errands to help others, like bringing medicine or a message
- ✓NOT like "vacation" (long trip for fun), an errand is short and for work or help
- ✓NOT like "job" (big work), an errand is a small part of daily life
- ✓NOT like "visit" (just to see someone), an errand has a purpose or task to do
Try Other Words
- •Chore: a small job or routine duty (Use when the task is usually at home or regular, like cleaning)
- •Mission: an important or special task (Use when the task feels more serious or important)
- •Job: work or duty (Use for bigger or longer work, not just short trips)
- •Task: a piece of work to do (Use for general work, not always involving travel)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, simple root word)
- •Etymology: From Old English "ærende," meaning a message or commission to be carried
- •Historical development: Originally meant a message or commission; over time, it came to mean any short trip to do a small task
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe small trips for shopping, delivering, or simple jobs outside the home
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of errands do you often do in your daily life, and how do they help your family or friends?
•How do errands show responsibility or trust when someone asks you to run one for them?
Fill in the blanks
1.She went on an errand to ___ some groceries for dinner.
2.Running an errand usually means you have to ___ somewhere to complete the task.
3.Unlike a vacation, an errand is ___ and has a clear purpose.
4.When someone asks you to run an errand, they ___ you to do a small job outside the home.
5.Errands often include simple tasks like ___ letters or buying small things.
6.If you spend all day traveling, you are probably not just running an errand but doing a bigger ___.
7.He was sent on an errand, so we know he had a ___ to complete, not just a visit.