Errand vs. Errant vs. Arrant (Grammar Rules)
For this Grammar Rules post, let’s take a look at when to use errand, errant, and arrant. An “a” or “e” here and a “d” or “t” there, and you’ve got completely different words and meanings. So let’s see when something (or someone) is an errand, errant, or arrant.
Errand vs. Errant vs. Arrant
Errand is a noun that can refer to a trip taken to attend to a matter of some sort (like paying a bill or shopping for groceries), or it can refer to the actual matter of some sort.
(How to Write Dates Correctly in Sentences.)
Errant, on the other hand, is an adjective that describes the action of straying outside the expected path, range, or standard. It can also describe someone or something that moves aimlessly and/or without an obvious pattern (from an errant child to an errant wind).
Arrant is an adjective that describes being or acting without any moderation. A person might be called an arrant fool, knave, or dummy-head.
Here are a couple examples of errand vs. errant vs. arrant:
Correct: She needed to run an errand before meeting up for dinner.
Incorrect: She needed to run an errant before meeting up for dinner.
Incorrect: She needed to run an arrant before meeting up for dinner.
Correct: The errant arrow completely missed the target.
Incorrect: The errand arrow completely missed the target.
Incorrect: The arrant arrow completely missed the target.
Correct: The arrant drunkard was causing a ruckus on the street.
Incorrect: The errand drunkard was causing a ruckus on the street.
Possibly correct: The errant drunkard was causing a ruckus on the street.
Correct: The arrant fool was known for taking errant routes on his errands.
Sometimes I’m able to devise some kind of trick for keeping words like these straight in my head, but I confess I’m having trouble explaining how I do it with these words (outside of just knowing). However, I’d love any recommendations in the comments below.
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