when do we use a\an in the ilness sentences:ex:got 'a' headache.ex:got toothache.has it got a rule?thanks.

Question

i'm sorry my english isn't good.please help me:)

i'm sorry my eng. isn't good enough:)

Answer 1

I think that any ____ache is usually preceded by an indefinite article:
I have a toothache.
I have a stomachache.
I have a headache.

Also:
I have a sore throat.
I have a hurt ankle.

Also:
I have a cold.
but:
I have the flu.

Other specific diseases usually don't have an article:
I have cancer
I have malaria
I have tuberculosis
etc.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Actually, you use 'an' before words that begin with vowel SOUNDS, not vowel letters.

For example: 'an hour'. The 'h' is silent, so the first sound of 'hour' is a vowel sound.

Also: 'a uniform'. The first sound is a consonantal 'y': YOO-ni-form.

Most of the time, though, words that begin with vowels begin with vowel sounds. This is English, however, so there's an exception to almost every rule.

Answer 3

you use "a" before any word that starts with a consonant. Use "an" before any word that begins with a vowel. There are a few exceptions, but too few to mention.

Examples:
I have "an" algebra test. or There is "an" elephant in the garbage.

I want "a" bike. or There is "a" large bucket about to fall.

Answer 4

Buggerhead, as many others, has the correct reason for when to use "a" and "an". It is a simple English rule with very few exceptions.

Answer 5

"an" is used before words that begin with a vowel... a,e,i, o. u.
EX: An angel appeared before me.
EX: An elephant is a powerful animal.
EX An unhappy child was crying.

"a" is used before any other words, or all words begin with consonants. A consonant is any letter that is not a vowel.

Answer 6

You use "an" when the word you refer to begins with a vowel.
i.e.: an elevator, an egg, an artist, an insect...an eye infection, an ear problem...

You use "a" when the word begins with a consonant.
i.e.: a car, a key, a head...a headache, a toothache...

I hope I was able to help you.

Answer 7

I think that you always say "a.....-ache" except where it is "toothache" or "earache". I can't think why this is: I conclude that it is simply something which has developed for no clear reason.

I found a link attempting to explain this, but found it rather overwhelming. Here it is: http://conferences.arts.usyd.edu.au/viewpaper.php?id=203&print=1&cf=4

Answer 8

Basically, if the following word begins with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u, y) then you would use "an".

Ex:
An egg
A chicken
A headache
An earache