have a cold
/hæv ə koʊld/
Meaning
This expression is used to say that someone is sick with a common, minor viral infection. It usually involves symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. It is a very common, neutral phrase used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and coworkers.
Examples
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I can't come to work today because I have a cold.
I can't come to work today because I have a cold.
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Make sure to wash your hands so you don't get sick; everyone seems to have a cold right now.
Make sure to wash your hands so you don't get sick; everyone seems to have a cold right now.
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She has a bad cold and needs to rest at home.
She has a bad cold and needs to rest at home.
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Do you have a cold, or is it just allergies?
Do you have a cold, or is it just allergies?
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He had a cold last week, but he feels much better now.
He had a cold last week, but he feels much better now.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I am having a cold.
✓ I have a cold.
We do not use continuous tenses (like 'am having') for ongoing physical states or temporary illnesses. Use the simple present 'have' or 'has'.
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✗ I have cold.
✓ I have a cold.
In this context, 'cold' is a countable noun representing the illness, so you must use the indefinite article 'a'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I need some tissues because I ___.
💡 Use the present tense.
Show answer
have a cold
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She couldn't sing yesterday because she ___.
💡 Use the past tense.
Show answer
had a cold