have a stomachache

Meaning

This phrase describes experiencing pain or discomfort in the stomach or abdomen area. It is a very common everyday expression used to report mild illness, indigestion, or physical distress to doctors, family, or friends.

Examples

• I shouldn't have eaten that extra slice of pizza; now I have a stomachache.

  I shouldn't have eaten that extra slice of pizza; now I have a stomachache.

• The little boy didn't want to go to school because he had a stomachache.

  The little boy didn't want to go to school because he had a stomachache.

• If you still have a stomachache tomorrow, you should probably see a doctor.

  If you still have a stomachache tomorrow, you should probably see a doctor.

• She drank some warm chamomile tea to help when she had a stomachache.

  She drank some warm chamomile tea to help when she had a stomachache.

• I have a stomachache, so I think I'll skip dinner tonight.

  I have a stomachache, so I think I'll skip dinner tonight.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have stomachache since this morning.

  ✓ I have had a stomachache since this morning.

  'Stomachache' is a countable noun in this context and requires the indefinite article 'a'. Also, use present perfect for an action starting in the past and continuing to now.

• ✗ My stomach is aching me.

  ✓ I have a stomachache.

  While 'ache' can be a verb, we do not say 'it aches me'. It is much more natural to say 'I have a stomachache' or 'My stomach hurts'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I think the seafood was bad because I now ___.

  💡 feel pain in my tummy

  Show answer

  have a stomachache

• He had to leave work early because he ___.

  💡 felt abdominal pain (past tense)

  Show answer

  had a stomachache