Illness and symptoms · Health
a cough
throat symptom
A cough is when you suddenly force air out of your lungs, often because your throat or airways are irritated.
This vs that
I've got a cough.
I've got a sore throat.
Hear it in real life
Why are you wearing a mask?
I've got a cough, so I don't want to pass anything on.
I've had a cough for a few days, but I don't have a temperature.
Which sounds natural?
Psst — which one would you actually say?
People normally describe this symptom simply as having a cough; the stiff version sounds medical.
The mistake everyone makes
Not: I have cough since yesterday.
Say: I've had a cough since yesterday.
Use 'a' before the singular countable noun and present perfect for an illness continuing until now.
Say it together
Whole chunks natives use with it.
have a cough
I've had a cough since the weekend.
She stayed home because she had a bad cough.
Phrases to borrow
More for talking about illness and symptoms.
have a temperature
I think I've got a temperature, so I'll stay home today.
see a doctor
You should see a doctor if the cough gets worse.
Illness and symptoms words
Health · Illness and symptoms: the words around “a cough”.
More connectionsEasy to mix up · More illness and symptoms words9
More illness and symptoms words
Your turn: say it out loud
I've got a bit of a cough.
Say it out loud two or three times, until it feels like yours.
a cough
throat symptom
“I've had a cough for a few days, but I don't have a temperature.”
heytardy