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Many problems and solutions appear on these pages
This is just an example:
Aches and pains in English
Pronunciation of ache
just think of cake and take the c off. Now let’s think of a word with ache in it.
stomachache. How do we pronounce it? Like this. Sta-ma-cake
Now let’s put it in a sentence:
Sorry, can’t come to the party today. I’ve got a stomachache.
Not too difficult, is it?
Just remember the strange pronunciation of ache, and you’ll easily get used to it.
Is the problem over? Sorry, no.
Here’s a list of things you can say using I’ve got a … ache.
I’ve got a headache.
I’ve got a stomachache.
Just two! It looks easy enough doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, there are a few problems. What about pains in other parts of the body? The list changes, I’m afraid. There is no a
Here’s the list:
- I’ve got backache
- I’ve got toothache
- I’ve got heartache (romantic)
- I’ve got earache
It’s all right. I can hear you all SHOUTING. What about all the other parts of the body? Sorry. You can’t have toe ache, or leg ache or foot ache, or finger ache or any other aches in other parts of the body.You have to say
- My toe hurts
- My leg hurts
- My foot hurts
- My finger hurts
- My knee hurts
- My throat hurts
- My neck hurts ... etc.
And my heart aches for you is very romantic.
But heartburn – is that romantic?
No. Heartburn is a medical condition where you have indigestion from eating too much spicy food.
Forget the word ache! Just use the verb hurt all the time!
- My head hurts.
- My stomach hurts
- My back hurts
- My tooth/teeth hurts/hurt
- My ear hurts
- My toe hurts
- My leg hurts
- My foot hurts
- My finger hurts
- My knee hurts
- My throat hurts
- My neck hurts
- but: My heart aches for you (romantic)