I've got a headache/stomachache

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Winwin2011

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I read the following sentences from a book.

1. I 've got a headache.
2. I 've got stomachache.

In sentence 1, the author use "a" before headache. Why doesn't the author use "a" before stomachache in sentences 2? I looked "stomachache" up from dictionaries, it is a countable or uncountable noun. Is stomachache a countable or uncountable noun in sentence 2?
Thanks.
 
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Gillnetter

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There should have been an "a" before both of these words.
 

5jj

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It seems that American English uses an "a" before "toothache" whereas British English does not use an article before it.
That is correct.
 

Gillnetter

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Well...what can I say? They also go to hospital and go to university. Perhaps one of our English members can provide us with a sound reason why the article is not required.
 

emsr2d2

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"Headache" is the only one of the standard "aches" we do use the article with.

I have a headache.
I have stomachache.
I have toothache.
I have bellyache.
I have tummy ache.
I have earache.
 

5jj

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Well...what can I say? They also go to hospital and go to university. Perhaps one of our English members can provide us with a sound reason why the article is not required.
No, that's just British usage. We don't have to have a reason for it, any more than you have to have a reason for AmE usage.
 
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TheParser

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***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Hello, Winwin:



And don't forget: If your significant other (wife / husband / girlfriend/ boyfriend) leaves you, you will have a

heartache -- maybe!



James
 

5jj

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And don't forget: If your significant other (wife / husband / girlfriend/ boyfriend) leaves you, you will have a heartache -- maybe!
Some of us will heave an enormous sigh of relief.
 
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