diff --git a/src/python/jw/pkg/lib/ec/Local.py b/src/python/jw/pkg/lib/ec/Local.py
index b1ef9813..8460247a 100644
--- a/src/python/jw/pkg/lib/ec/Local.py
+++ b/src/python/jw/pkg/lib/ec/Local.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ class Local(Base):
             if code == 0:
                 return
             if (throw or verbose):
-                msg = f'Command returned error {code}: {pretty_cmd(args, wd)}'
+                msg = f'Command exited with status {code}: {pretty_cmd(args, wd)}'
                 if stderr:
                     msg += ': ' + stderr.strip()
                 if throw: