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I had a terrible headache vs I have a terrible headache

Both phrases are correct, but they express tense differently. "I had a terrible headache" is used when referring to a past event, while "I have a terrible headache" is used when talking about the present. The choice between the two depends on the timing of the headache.
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Explained by Camille
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: November 28, 2024 • 10116 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a past event.

"I had a terrible headache "

This phrase is used to talk about a headache that occurred in the past. It indicates that the headache has already happened and is no longer present.

Examples:

  • Yesterday, I had a terrible headache after work.
  • When I woke up this morning, I had a terrible headache.
  • On the morning that I was 37 weeks' gestation (to the day no less), I had a terrible headache. I did not feel well and was nauseous. I was due for a non ...
  • Mar 26, 2024 ... I had a terrible headache and passed out after seeing a movie. My husband took me straight to the small local hospital, which was three ...
  • Jul 15, 2022 ... I had a terrible headache. This was years ago. And I did a very stupid thing: I got on an aircraft and I flew home. It turned out I had two ...
  • Then I had a terrible headache; it was as if I had an ice pick plunging into my temple for hours. I called a neurologist explained my symptoms, and he ...
  • Jul 6, 2023 ... About the time my vision was getting blurry, and I had a terrible headache I went to the ER. I learned my A1C was 14. A normal level is ...
  • Sep 22, 2013 ... I had a terrible headache, and it only got worse as I began to realize the only thing I could move were my eyeballs.” He soon recovered from ...
  • Mar 8, 2008 ... I had a terrible headache. I also felt very light-headed and kept getting these surges in my body that could cause me to feel like something ...
  • Only one parathyroid gland was removed in surgery. Post surgery the pain was not in my throat, but I had a terrible headache that lasted for about two days.
  • Jul 21, 2022 ... I had a terrible headache, fever and bad insomnia. I was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) overnight and then spent two days at a ...
  • Mar 14, 2024 ... I had a terrible headache and was throwing up a ton. After a CT scan in the emergency room revealed a mass on my brain, I was immediately ...

Alternatives:

  • I experienced a terrible headache.
  • I suffered from a terrible headache.

This phrase is correct when referring to the present moment.

"I have a terrible headache "

This phrase is used to talk about a headache that is currently being experienced. It indicates that the headache is happening at the time of speaking.

Examples:

  • I have a terrible headache right now.
  • Sorry, I can't go out tonight. I have a terrible headache.
  • Jan 31, 2024 ... Client presents to emergency department and states, “I have a terrible headache.” Client reports having a headache for the past three days and the pain is ...
  • Translations in context of "I have a terrible headache" in English-Russian from Reverso Context: First, I have a terrible headache, which isn't normal.
  • Can you tell me how you feel? Sasha: Well, I have a terrible headache. Dr. Smith: Hmm…Anything else? Does your throat hurt?
  • Jan 26, 2022 ... You hop on Zoom and can say, “I have COVID,” “I have a cold,” or “I have a terrible headache,” but you can't say, “My uterine lining is ...
  • Jan 9, 2020 ... I have a terrible headache. I _____ do anything. View Solution.
  • Aug 20, 2013 ... I have bitten the right side of my tongue, I have a terrible headache and I am extremely nauseated. I am confused and sleepy after the ...
  • “I just thought 'Okay, it's a Tuesday afternoon, I'm at work and I have a terrible headache and need to go throw up.'” Then one day, during a bootcamp ...
  • Nov 9, 2024 ... extreme in degree, power, or effect I have a terrible headache. Synonyms & Similar Words. intense · intensive · fierce · ferocious · deep.
  • physiological/biological needs "I have a terrible headache. It's really splitting." belonging needs "It gets lonely in my apartment on the weekends.
  • A: Yes. I was on the porch, putting fabric on my dresser drawers and I did that about an hour and now I have a TERRIBLE headache!

Alternatives:

  • I am experiencing a terrible headache.
  • I am suffering from a terrible headache.

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