run errands

Meaning

To go out and complete short, everyday tasks like buying groceries, going to the post office, or picking up dry cleaning. It usually involves making several quick stops. It is a neutral, highly common phrase used in casual and professional contexts.

Examples

• I have to run some errands this morning before the supermarket closes.

  I have to run some errands this morning before the supermarket closes.

• She spent the entire Saturday running errands all over town.

  She spent the entire Saturday running errands all over town.

• Can you run some errands for me while you are out?

  Can you run some errands for me while you are out?

• I'll be back in an hour; I just need to run a quick errand.

  I'll be back in an hour; I just need to run a quick errand.

• My dad usually runs his errands on Friday afternoons to avoid the weekend crowds.

  My dad usually runs his errands on Friday afternoons to avoid the weekend crowds.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have to make errands today.

  ✓ I have to run errands today.

  In English, we do not 'make' errands. The standard verb collocation is 'run' or sometimes 'do'.

• ✗ She is going to walk errands in the city.

  ✓ She is going to run errands in the city.

  Even if you are walking to the shops, the idiomatic phrase is always 'run errands'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I can't meet for lunch because I need to ___ before work.

  💡 Complete short tasks outside

  Show answer

  run errands

• Do you have any ___ to run today, or are you staying home?

  💡 Plural noun for small chores

  Show answer

  errands