The temperature has dropped, and the gray, rainy weather is forcing us to bundle up and drink hot beverages. Are we cold, or do we have a cold? Probably both!
Many English learners confuse these two phrases, but they mean very different things:
“I am cold” means you feel cold because the room temperature is low. Say this if you want someone to turn up the heat.
“I have a cold” means you’re sneezing, coughing, and blowing your nose because of a viral infection. Say this if you need tissues or a hot drink with lemon and honey.
People often “catch a cold” in winter because the cold weather forces us to stay indoors, creating the perfect environment for viruses to spread.