I can't go for John (meaning: I can't collect him)

[angelene001]

Is this a correct sentence?
'I can't go for John. I'm busy. Can I ask you a favour? Please, pick him up at the airport'
(John is my cousin and he is coming from abroad to visit me)

It sounds a bit weird.

 

[bhaisahab]

Is this a correct sentence?
'I can't go for John. I'm busy. Can I ask you a favour? Please, pick him up at the airport'
(John is my cousin and he is coming from abroad to visit me)

It sounds a bit weird.

If the person you are talking to knows the situation, you would be understood.

 

[emsr2d2]

I agree with bhai but to avoid ambiguity, I would use "I can't go and get John" or "I can't pick John up [from the airport]".

 

[riquecohen]

"Collect" is not used in this context in AmE. Emsr2d2's suggestions would be more natural.