errand

Everyday

An errand is a short trip to do a small job, like buying something, delivering something or taking a message. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, children run errands for parents or neighbours, like posting a letter or buying milk. In stories, a character sent on an errand often meets an adventure. Phrases: «run an errand», «go on an errand», «run errands».

Examples

• Can you run an errand for me and buy some bread? tree →
• Mum is out running errands. tree →
• I went on an errand to the post office. tree →
• The boy was sent on an errand to the baker's. tree →
• Saturday morning is for errands and shopping. tree →
• She does errands for her elderly neighbour. tree →
• ‘What is your errand here?’ asked the woman. tree →

Note

Countable: «an errand», «errands» (with «an» because it starts with a vowel sound). Usual verb is «run»: «run errands». Safety: tell an adult where you are going before going on an errand alone. In maths, errand problems often involve money and change.

In Jewish tradition

An errand is a task or message that someone is sent to do. In the Prophets it is a secret message brought to a king or a captain.

Interpretation. Abraham's servant refuses to eat before telling his errand, and tradition praises him for putting his duty first. Ehud's "secret errand" to King Eglon of Moab is the cover he used to reach the king, and Jehu's anointing is also brought by a messenger's "errand".

Examples

• And there was set food before him to eat; but he said: 'I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.' And he said: 'Speak on.' (Torah GEN.24.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said: 'I have a secret errand unto thee, O king.' And he said: 'Keep silence.' And all that stood by him went out from him. (Prophets JDG.3.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said: 'I have an errand to thee, O captain.' And Jehu said: 'Unto which of us all?' And he said: 'To thee, O captain.' (Prophets 2KI.9.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: «an errand», «errands» (with «an» because it starts with a vowel sound). Usual verb is «run»: «run errands». Safety: tell an adult where you are going before going on an errand alone. In maths, errand problems often involve money and change.