Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[mashi]

When I have runny nose, I say "I have a cold."
but can I say "I have cold." (No article.)
And if the subject is plural, do I have to put -s to "cold"?
I mean which is correct?

1 My kids have colds.
2 My kids have cold.
3 My kids have a cold.

Thank you.

[Lorikeet]

You can't say "I have cold," but "I have a cold." is fine.
"My kids have colds." is okay.
"My kids have cold." is wrong.
"My kids have a cold." sounds fine too.