A.  Read the sentences below. They have basically the same meaning.

1. I need to go now.
2. I have to go now.
3. I’ve got to go now.

In spoken English, I’ve got to (Sentence 3) is often pronounced “I’ve gotta” or “I gotta.”

B.  With a partner, practice using I gotta in the conversations below. Take turns being Person 1 and Person 2. There are many possible ways to complete the sentences. (Remember: Gotta is used in spoken English, but not in formal writing.)

1. Person 1: Are you leaving now?
Person 2: Yeah.¹ I gotta go to the grocery store. I gotta buy ____________________.
2. Person 1: Are you leaving now?
Person 2: Yeah. I gotta go to the drugstore. I gotta buy ____________________.
3. Person 1: Are you leaving now?
Person 2: Yeah. I gotta go to the mall. I gotta buy ____________________.
4. Person 1: Are you leaving now?
Person 2: Yeah. I gotta go to the post office. I gotta ____________________.
5. Person 1: Are you leaving now?
Person 2: Yeah. I gotta go to the bank. I gotta ____________________.
6. Person 1: Are you leaving now?
Person 2: Yeah. I gotta go home. I gotta ____________________.
7. Person 1: Are you leaving now?
Person 2: Yeah. I gotta go to __________________ (a place in your city). I gotta __________________.

¹Yeah = Yes. Yeah is used in informal spoken English.

Copyright © 2016 Sandra Heyer. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.
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