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I got to vs I have got to

Both "I got to" and "I have got to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I got to" is more informal and is often used in casual conversations, while "I have got to" is more formal and commonly used in written English. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 982 views

I got to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts.

This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to express having the opportunity to do something or having arrived at a place.

Examples:

  • I got to meet my favorite singer yesterday.
  • I got to the party late because of traffic.
  • I got to see the sunset at the beach.
  • I got to try the new restaurant in town.
  • I got to visit my grandparents last weekend.
  • But I got to warn you...
  • I got to finish this paperwork on our stabbing.
  • I got to drive a pursuit vehicle.
  • Tony, I got to call the White House.
  • I got to get this, stuff to the lab.
  • I got to give them something, Luke.
  • Wait, I got to talk to her.
  • I got to get back to the game, coach.
  • Listen, I got to get to work.
  • I got to send my brother more money.
  • I got to take this call.
  • I got to call for help.
  • I got to be honest with you, Will.
  • I got to get this load to Dallas.
  • I got to track this guy down today.
  • I got to corral a Congressman and deliver him to Mike.
  • Come on, I got to get to work.
  • I got to write a report up on this.
  • Listen, I got to ask you something.
  • Really, I got to get back to town.

Alternatives:

  • I had the chance to
  • I had the opportunity to
  • I managed to

I have got to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts.

This phrase is more formal and is commonly used in written English to express the necessity or obligation to do something.

Examples:

  • I have got to finish this report by tomorrow.
  • I have got to call my parents tonight.
  • I have got to study for my exam.
  • I have got to leave early for the meeting.
  • I have got to make a decision soon.
  • I have got to do my homework. I've got to do my homework. (Contraction). Similar to the grammar rules for have got, you cannot use have got to in past or ...
  • May 18, 2015 ... FYI: I got to go is traditionally considered incorrect or informal. It is a shortened form of I have got to go (which means pretty much the same ...
  • May 8, 2023 ... I have got to get a refund for this tank top · Officially in the 3rd trimester! · Team Bruce ready to take on Flagstaff's downtown mile races ...
  • Aug 19, 2020 ... It would be more appropriate to compare I have to get with I have got to get. · Some slang or casual dialects say "I got to (or 'gotta') do ...
  • Dec 22, 2017 ... "I have got it" is different in meaning and construction from "I have got to". it is true that "I have got it" is ambiguous (between "I have ...
  • Greg, Bountiful, Utah I could not believe it, when I first played a banjo loaded with a Kavanjo all I could say was "Oh, I have got to get me one of t...
  • Knitbaahpurl's newest t-shirt: I have got to getyh my sheep together. Don't we all.

Alternatives:

  • I must
  • I need to
  • I have to

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