I've got a headache/stomachache

[Winwin2011]

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.

[Gillnetter]

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

[Winwin2011]

http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/american/toothache

He's got a really bad toothache.

http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/toothache

He's got really bad toothache.

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

[5jj]

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

That is correct.

[Gillnetter]

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]

"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]

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.

[TheParser]

***** 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]

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.