#1  
Old 06-Jan-2008, 05:20
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Default about got

dear madam/sir,

Whenever I see English films I get some confusion regarding their conversation i.e using of got

many people say i got to go or i have got to say that how is got used in these sentences wheter got means have to here
  #2  
Old 06-Jan-2008, 11:24
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Default Re: about got

'I have got to go' is often shortened to 'I gotta go' in spoken English. The meaning doesn't change- the person must go.
  #3  
Old 06-Jan-2008, 12:05
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Default Re: about got

Look at this conversation:
She: What are you doing this afternoon?
He: I have to go to band practice.
Here, 'have to go' means that he has a regular time to attend at band practice, but there is no urgency/big deal about it. Its just a commitment later that day.

She: There's a good movie on TV. Can't you skip it?
I have/I've got to go. I missed last week and the band leader will be furious if I don't show.
Now, 'got' gives the statement a sense of 'must'

She: Are you sure? It's such a good movie.
He: No, I really must go.
This now stresses the absolute importance of going.

Look at this conversation:
Mother: Come back and finish your breakfast!
He: Sorry Mum. Gotta go.
"Sorry' here is short for 'sorry Mum but I can't do what you are asking'
...and as Tdol said, 'gotta go' is colloquially short for 'have to go' - there is something more important than finishing breakfast he has to rush off to ( the same way band practice was more important than seeing the movie)
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