Could have gotten vs Could have got

Both are correct, but their usage depends on the variety of English being used. "Could have gotten" is more commonly used in American English, while "could have got" is more common in British English.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: July 31, 2024 • 20608 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in American English.

"Could have gotten "

This phrase is the past participle form of "get" used in American English to indicate the possibility of having obtained something in the past.

Examples:

She could have gotten a better grade if she had studied more.
I could have gotten lost without a map.
They could have gotten the job if they had more experience.
He could have gotten sick from eating that expired food.
We could have gotten there on time if we had left earlier.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: October 27, 2024

Dec 16, 2021 ... Learn English from the basics. Follow. 37.9K37.9K. Which is correct, "could have gotten" or “could have got”? See parent question. Answer.
Jun 28, 2018 ... The difference between “could get” and “could have gotten” is very much the same as that between “get” and “have gotten”.
Apr 30, 2021 ... If it wasn't for something dumb they did basically all the culprits could have gotten away with the murder and win the game.
Feb 5, 2017 ... I found a lot of examples: Well, that would have gotten us killed. You could have gotten us killed just to save your own skin. I could feel your ...
15 hours ago ... We could have gotten so much... · Comments Section · Community Info Section · More posts you may like.
HAVE GOTTEN – Used in American English, only · I've gotten a lot of compliments on this hat. · Anita could have gotten a job anywhere she wanted.
Apr 22, 2018 ... Voy: Caretaker - How voyager could have gotten home. I don't understand why Voyager didn't just set a charge on a time delay, used the array ...
Aug 12, 2010 ... In your case you could say, "The book has been there for two weeks. He could have gotten it already." ...
Aug 27, 2022 ... What 'Blackened' do you think could have gotten away with their crime if it hadn't been for plot convenience? Discussion. This is probably ...
Oct 28, 2017 ... I wish I could have gotten more info. This means "my source has died; I am no longer able to get info from this source, and I wish I had ...

Alternatives:

could have received
could have obtained
could have acquired
could have secured
could have attained

This phrase is correct and commonly used in British English.

"Could have got"

This phrase is the past participle form of "get" used in British English to indicate the possibility of having obtained something in the past.

Examples:

She could have got a better grade if she had studied more.
I could have got lost without a map.
They could have got the job if they had more experience.
He could have got sick from eating that expired food.
We could have got there on time if we had left earlier.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: October 27, 2024

Dec 16, 2021 ... Could have got is right, I think you are confusing withe forget Forgot Forgotten but this get wille come like get got got .
Jun 28, 2018 ... Bear in mind: the British would say: "could have got past you" for the present prefect and Americans would say: "could have gotten past you" for ...
Jul 20, 2024 ... Wish we could have got a Buu Bits with Popo yeeting Lil Green off the Lookout.
Aug 12, 2010 ... "Could have get" is not correct: the past participle of "get" is "got". So it should read "could have got".
Aug 13, 2018 ... It's a small thing, but I wish we could have got a Melee Roy costume, similar to how we got both of Ike's looks.
Dec 19, 2019 ... After my arranged marriage, I realized I could have got a much better girl through an arranged marriage. What should I do now? All related ...
Apr 23, 2022 ... I'm always honest, today we could have got more from this game but in this season we are where we deserve to be. Manchester United.
Oct 24, 2019 ... I ask this question since I came across a similar example in an exercise to practice english, it said "He could have got stuck in a tree", is ...
Oct 2, 2020 ... After getting married, do you feel that you could have got a better partner if you would have met more people? All related (31). Recommended.
Dec 26, 2023 ... Aged 80, this is the best Christmas present I could have got (British Sign Language to be offered as GCSE subject, 21 December)

Alternatives:

could have received
could have obtained
could have acquired
could have secured
could have attained

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

Could have gotten vs Could have got

"Could have gotten "

"Could have got"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text