There should have been an "a" before both of these words.
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Thread: I've got a headache/stomachache
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#1 02-Dec-2012, 16:46I've got a headache/stomachache
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.Last edited by Winwin2011; 02-Dec-2012 at 17:08.
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#2 02-Dec-2012, 17:09Re: I've got a headache/stomachache
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#3 02-Dec-2012, 17:32Re: I've got a headache/stomachache
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.
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#4 02-Dec-2012, 17:36Re: I've got a headache/stomachache
That is correct.
Originally Posted by Winwin2011
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#5 02-Dec-2012, 17:40Re: I've got a headache/stomachache
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.
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#6 02-Dec-2012, 17:42Re: I've got a headache/stomachache
"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.Remember - if you don't use correct capitalisation, punctuation and spacing, anything you write will be incorrect.
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#7 02-Dec-2012, 17:45Re: I've got a headache/stomachache
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. Originally Posted by Gillnetter
Last edited by 5jj; 02-Dec-2012 at 19:23.
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#8 02-Dec-2012, 18:17Re: I've got a headache/stomachache
***** 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
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#9 02-Dec-2012, 18:20Re: I've got a headache/stomachache
Some of us will heave an enormous sigh of relief. Originally Posted by TheParser
