faire des courses vs. faire les courses

Question

Hello. Is there a difference between using des and les in the above expression? Faire les courses was marked wrong in this exercise.

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Hi Jenk,
Although Chris' answer is correct, I have checked the exercise and both should be accepted as given as alternatives. So if it is corrected please use your 'Report It ' button on your correction board.

Chris Wirt · Answer

When I checked the exercise, both versions were accepted as correct. There is a slight difference in meaning:

faire des courses -- to run errands for specific needs (may not include any food at all)
faire les courses -- to go shopping for essential products (food and other consumables, e.g., soap, tooth paste, paper towels, etc.)