have a headache

Question

Is it possible to say, "I am having a headache"  Is it better to use "I have a headache?"

Blue Jay · Accepted Answer

I am having a headache does not sound natural.
I have a headache is the usual way to express the idea.

TeacherJapan · Answer

Thank you very much for your comment! <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Anonymous · Answer

teacherJapan"I am having a headache"

Speakers of Indian English might say this.

Anonymous · Answer

I think with the right situation, it is correct. I am having the worst headache because my mother-in-law is coming to visit for a month and staying with us.

Blue Jay · Answer

AnonymousI think with the right situation, it is correct. I am having the worst headache because my mother-in-law is coming to visit for a month and staying with us.

That doesn't sound natural to me.

CalifJim · Answer

teacherJapanIs it better to use "I have a headache?"

In the "neutral case", yes, but there are times when the continuous is fine.

Suppose you suffer from a lot of headaches. Maybe you have a headache every few days. If you feel a headache coming on, you might say

Oh, no! I'm having one of my headaches again!*
... possibly even I'm having a headache again.

CJ

*Example borrowed from Palmer, The English Verb.

Anonymous · Answer

CalifJimbut there are times when the continuous is fine.

That's was my point. I am glad to see your approval.

have a headache

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