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esl_beginner
05-09-2009, 10:48 PM
I need a clarification. I am very confused the way to use the sentence like this;
#########################
I have a stomach ache. (singular)
I have stomach aches. (plural)
#########################

Please correct these sentences.

thanks in advance.

Marius Hancu
05-10-2009, 02:58 AM
Both OK:

I have a stomach ache. (singular) [you have one instance, one manifestation of stomach aches, right now

I have stomach aches. (plural)[you have stomach aches in general, more than just one

esl_beginner
05-10-2009, 03:09 AM
How about

I have stomach ache.

I noticed sometimes, they ignored "a" in the sentence.


Both OK:

I have a stomach ache. (singular) [you have one instance, one manifestation of stomach aches, right now

I have stomach aches. (plural)[you have stomach aches in general, more than just one

Marius Hancu
05-10-2009, 03:17 AM
This is ambiguous. It can mean any of the two.

Marius Hancu
05-10-2009, 04:30 AM
I have a stomach ache.

I'd prefer this as:

I'm having a stomach ache. [if you mean to say "right now"

Pete
05-10-2009, 09:36 AM
I need a clarification. I am very confused the way to use the sentence like this;
#########################
I have a stomach ache. (singular)
I have stomach aches. (plural)
#########################

Please correct these sentences.

thanks in advance.
How about

I have stomach ache.

I noticed sometimes, they ignored "a" in the sentence.
- I have a stomach ache.
-- This is the natural thing to say if you mean that right now your stomach is hurting.

- I have stomach aches.
-- Unless a very specific context makes it clear that you are talking about an ongoing situation, this doesn't sound natural by itself. It would be common with some designation of frequency or time span:
- I frequently have stomach aches.
- I've been having stomach aches for the past month.

- I have stomach ache.
-- This doesn't sound natural to me. It sounds like something a young child just learning to talk might say, but he would probably say "tummy ache".