verbs

[heidi1]

I would be grateful if someone could explain to me the difference between the verb TO HAVE (I have a car) and the verb HAVE GOT (I have got a car)

[mykwyner]

Have got is non-standard English that is very common in spoken English, but should always be avoided in writing.

I have a car. (I own a car)

I got a car. ( I received a car)

Yesterday I got a headache from all the loud music. Today I still have that headache. (Not have got)

The exception is when the word got is used to express necessity. I have got to visit my mother before the weekend. (Again, this is more acceptable in spoken, rather than written English)