run errands — do tasks (outside the home)
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to go out to do small jobs or tasks, like shopping, picking up things, or paying bills, usually for yourself or someone else.
Say it like a native
Textbook I must attend to several minor practical tasks in town.
Native I've got to run a few errands.
'Attend to minor practical tasks' is stiff; 'run errands' is the natural phrase.
Pattern: run errands (for someone)
In use
- I need to run some errands before dinner, like picking up groceries and going to the bank.daily life
- On weekends, I usually run errands such as shopping for food and paying bills, which helps my family save time.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I need to do some errands.
✓ I need to run some errands.
You RUN errands, not 'do' them.
Common collocations
run errands— run errands, run a few errands, run some errands, errands to run
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'do chores,' which usually means tasks at home.