Grammar

A collection of 470 posts

Have a Backache or Have Backache

You can use the expressions “have a backache” or “experience a backache” in American English to refer to a continuous pain in your back.

Have a toothache vs. have toothache

In American English, we normally use the expression “have a toothache” when experiencing a pain in or about a tooth.

'On Holiday', 'On a Holiday', or 'For a Holiday'

In British English, you can use the expression “on holiday” to mention a period of time away from school or work. This is the equivalent of the American “on vacation”.

'On Vacation' or 'On a Vacation'. Which is Correct?

In American English, we typically use the expressions “on vacation”, “being on vacation”, or “going on vacation” (without the article “a”) to refer to a period of time (away from school or work) to relax or travel.

Have dinner or Have a dinner? Which is Correct?

We commonly use the expression “have dinner” (not “have a dinner”) to refer to the main meal eaten either in the middle of the day or in the evening.

'Have lunch' or 'Have a lunch'?

We use the expression “have lunch” (not “have a lunch”). However, when using an adjective or a compound noun, we add a determiner (typically the article “a”) before the noun.