present progressive - be having...

[Tensers]

Usually, 'have' in the present progressive is a taboo, but there is an exception. For example: I am having a nice time or a big breakfast now.

My question is if it is also right to say "I am having a toothache."
Context:
Why are you holding your face like that? Are you having a toothache?


Should I say "Do you have a toothache?" or "Are you having a toothache?"
or both of them are OK.

I thank you for your help.

 

[emsr2d2]

Usually, 'have' in the present progressive is a taboo, but there is an exception. For example: I am having a nice time or a big breakfast now.

My question is if it is also right to say "I am having a toothache."
Context:
Why are you holding your face like that? Are you having a toothache?


Should I say "Do you have a toothache?" or "Are you having a toothache?"
or both of them are OK.

I thank you for your help.

No, we don't use the present continuous (progressive) in this context. If you are in pain, we say:

I have a headache.
I have toothache.
I have a stomach ache.
I have a pain in my neck.

 

[BobK]

:up: But you might go to a doctor in between headaches (so that you couldn't truthfully say 'I have a headache') and say 'I've been having headaches for the last six weeks.' The meaning is 'At intervals during the past six weeks I have had a number of headaches.'

b