Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Understanding the difference between Got and Gotten is essential for clear, professional writing in American English. These two words are classic homophones-they sound almost identical in everyday speech, but they have completely different meanings and grammatical functions. Mixing them up is one of the most common spelling and grammar mistakes in the English language.
| Feature | Got | Gotten |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Simple past tense of get; an action of receiving that happened and was completed in the past | Past participle of get; used with have/has/had to form perfect tenses |
| Part of Speech | Verb (Simple Past Tense) | Verb (Past Participle) |
| Pronunciation | /ɡɑt/ | /ˈɡɑtən/ |
| Common Contexts | Past events, storytelling, stating past facts, expressing possession (have got) | Present perfect, past perfect, passive voice, gradual changes |
| Example | I got an email yesterday. | I have gotten three emails today. |
| Memory Trick | Got = Past action | Gotten = Goes with Have |
Understanding "Got"
A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Word Class (Verb)
Grammar
Common Uses
Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
American English Usage
Typical Sentence Patterns
Common Collocations
Understanding "Gotten"
A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Word Class (Verb)
Grammar
Common Uses
Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
American English Usage
Typical Sentence Patterns
Common Collocations
Key Differences
Core Definition
Got is the simple past tense of get, used for completed past actions. Gotten is the past participle, used with have/has/had for perfect tenses.
Grammar Requirement
Got can stand alone as the main verb. Gotten requires a helping verb (have, has, had) and cannot be used independently.
Pronunciation
Got is one syllable pronounced /ɡɑt/. Gotten is two syllables pronounced /ˈɡɑtən/.
Idiomatic Exceptions
In the present-tense idioms 'have got' (possession) and 'have got to' (obligation), 'got' is always used. 'Gotten' is never used in these phrases.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Got | Gotten |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Simple past tense of get; an action of receiving that happened and was completed in the past | Past participle of get; used with have/has/had to form perfect tenses |
| Part of Speech | Verb (Simple Past Tense) | Verb (Past Participle) |
| Pronunciation | /ɡɑt/ | /ˈɡɑtən/ |
| Common Contexts | Past events, storytelling, stating past facts, expressing possession (have got) | Present perfect, past perfect, passive voice, gradual changes |
| Example | I got an email yesterday. | I have gotten three emails today. |
| Memory Trick | Got = Past action | Gotten = Goes with Have |
Grammar Rules
Grammar Rules & Mechanics
Understanding the distinction between simple past and past participle forms is the key to never confusing 'got' and 'gotten' again.
Simple Past vs. Past Participle
'Got' is the simple past tense. 'Gotten' is the past participle. The past participle requires an auxiliary verb.
- Correct: I got a new car yesterday.
- Incorrect: I gotten a new car yesterday.
- Correct: I have gotten much faster at typing.
- Incorrect: I have got much faster at typing.
'Got' is correct because the action happened at a specific past time (yesterday) and requires the simple past tense.
In American English, 'gotten' is the correct past participle to form the present perfect tense for a gradual change.
The 'Have Got' Possession Exception
When expressing present possession, the phrase 'have got' uses 'got', not 'gotten'. 'Have got' functions as a present tense verb meaning 'have'.
- Correct: She has got a great personality.
- Incorrect: She has gotten a great personality.
'Has got' is a present-tense idiom for possession. 'Has gotten' would imply she recently acquired a personality.
Forming the Past Perfect
To describe an action that occurred before another past action, use 'had' plus the past participle 'gotten'.
- Correct: By the time we arrived, he had gotten tired of waiting.
- Incorrect: By the time we arrived, he had got tired of waiting.
In American English, 'had gotten' is the proper past perfect form.
Passive Voice Constructions
In passive constructions indicating that a subject has received an action, use 'gotten'.
- Correct: The actor has gotten a lot of praise for his role.
- Incorrect: The actor has got a lot of praise for his role.
'Has gotten' is correct for receiving praise up to the present moment in US English.
When to Use "Got"
Specific scenarios where 'got' is the correct choice. It is primarily the simple past tense of 'get', but also appears in the present-tense idiom 'have got' for possession.
Reporting Past Events
Use 'got' as the simple past tense to describe an action of receiving or obtaining that happened at a specific time in the past.
Example: She got a new laptop for her birthday last week.
Storytelling and Narratives
Use 'got' to advance a plot or describe a sequence of past actions.
Example: We got lost on the highway and had to ask for directions.
Expressing Possession (Have Got)
Use 'got' in the phrase 'have got' or 'has got' as a present-tense idiom meaning to possess or own something.
Example: I have got two tickets to the concert tonight.
Expressing Obligation (Have Got To)
Use 'got' in the phrase 'have got to' to express strong necessity or obligation in the present.
Example: You have got to see this movie; it's incredible.
Arriving at a Destination
Use 'got' to describe reaching a place in the past.
Example: The train got to the station twenty minutes late.
Changing States in the Past
Use 'got' followed by an adjective to describe a past transition from one state to another.
Example: The weather got cold as soon as the sun went down.
Understanding or Comprehending
Use 'got' to indicate that information was understood in the past.
Example: Oh, I got it now! Thanks for explaining the math problem.
Fetching or Bringing
Use 'got' to describe retrieving an item for someone in the past.
Example: He got a glass of water for the guest.
When to Use "Gotten"
Specific scenarios where 'gotten' is the correct choice. In American English, it is the standard past participle used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses.
Present Perfect Actions
Use 'gotten' with 'have' or 'has' to describe receiving or acquiring something at an unspecified time up to the present.
Example: She has gotten much better at playing the piano.
Past Perfect Actions
Use 'gotten' with 'had' to describe an acquisition or change that occurred before another past action.
Example: By the time we arrived, he had already gotten the tickets.
Showing Gradual Change
Use 'gotten' to emphasize a process of becoming something over time.
Example: The traffic has gotten worse since they started construction.
Future Perfect Tense
Use 'gotten' with 'will have' to describe an acquisition or change completed by a specific future point.
Example: By next year, we will have gotten all the necessary permits.
Acquiring Knowledge or Habits
Use 'gotten' to describe developing a new habit or becoming accustomed to something over time.
Example: I have gotten used to waking up early for work.
Passive Voice Constructions
Use 'gotten' in passive constructions to describe being affected by an action.
Example: The book has gotten good reviews from critics.
Receiving Communications
Use 'gotten' when referring to receiving messages or feedback up to the present moment.
Example: We have gotten several complaints about the noise.
Overcoming Obstacles
Use 'gotten' to describe moving past a difficulty or recovering from an illness over time.
Example: He has finally gotten over his fear of public speaking.
Common Expressions
Idioms and standard phrases that rely on the specific meaning of each word.
Expressions with "Got"
1. Got an email
Meaning: Receiving digital communication in the past.
Example: I got an email from the professor this morning.
2. Got home
Meaning: Arriving at one's residence in the past.
Example: She got home late after the meeting.
3. Got angry
Meaning: Transitioning to an angry emotional state in the past.
Example: He got angry when the machine broke.
4. Got lost
Meaning: Losing one's way in the past.
Example: We got lost in the downtown area.
5. Got a job
Meaning: Securing employment in the past.
Example: He got a job at the local tech startup.
6. Got married
Meaning: Entering into marriage in the past.
Example: They got married in a small ceremony.
7. Got ready
Meaning: Preparing oneself or something in the past.
Example: I got ready for the party in an hour.
8. Got hurt
Meaning: Sustaining an injury in the past.
Example: The player got hurt during the second half.
9. Got dressed
Meaning: Putting on clothes in the past.
Example: She got dressed quickly and left.
10. Got a chance
Meaning: Receiving an opportunity in the past.
Example: I got a chance to visit Paris last year.
11. Have got a car
Meaning: Present tense idiom for possessing a vehicle.
Example: I have got a car, so I can drive us.
12. Have got to leave
Meaning: Present tense idiom for expressing an obligation to depart.
Example: I have got to leave now or I'll be late.
13. Got an idea
Meaning: Having a sudden thought or concept in the past.
Example: He got an idea while taking a shower.
14. Got better
Meaning: Improving from an illness or situation in the past.
Example: Her cough got better after taking the medicine.
15. Got a ticket
Meaning: Receiving a citation or pass in the past.
Example: We got tickets to the baseball game.
16. Got scared
Meaning: Feeling fear suddenly in the past.
Example: The dog got scared during the fireworks.
17. Got wet
Meaning: Being exposed to water or rain in the past.
Example: I got wet walking to the store.
18. Got a cold
Meaning: Becoming ill with a viral infection in the past.
Example: She got a cold after standing in the rain.
19. Got to work
Meaning: Arriving at the workplace in the past.
Example: He got to work early to prepare his presentation.
20. Got the point
Meaning: Understanding the main idea in the past.
Example: I explained it twice, and he finally got the point.
Expressions with "Gotten"
1. Have gotten better
Meaning: Improving gradually up to the present.
Example: My typing speed has gotten better with practice.
2. Had gotten worse
Meaning: Deteriorating before another past event.
Example: His condition had gotten worse before the doctor arrived.
3. Have gotten lost
Meaning: Becoming lost at an unspecified time up to now.
Example: We have gotten lost in this mall before.
4. Has gotten dark
Meaning: The transition of the sky to darkness up to the present.
Example: It has gotten dark much earlier this winter.
5. Have gotten used to
Meaning: Becoming accustomed to something over time.
Example: I have gotten used to the noise of the city.
6. Have gotten rid of
Meaning: Eliminating or removing something up to now.
Example: We have finally gotten rid of the pests.
7. Have gotten over
Meaning: Recovering from an illness or emotional event up to now.
Example: She has gotten over her fear of flying.
8. Has gotten out of hand
Meaning: A situation becoming uncontrollable up to the present.
Example: The project has gotten out of hand.
9. Have gotten to know
Meaning: Becoming familiar with someone over time.
Example: I have gotten to know him quite well this semester.
10. Has gotten easier
Meaning: A task becoming less difficult over time.
Example: The software has gotten easier to use.
11. Have gotten an answer
Meaning: Receiving a response up to the present moment.
Example: We have gotten an answer from the committee.
12. Have gotten involved
Meaning: Becoming engaged or participating in something up to now.
Example: They have gotten involved in local charities.
13. Has gotten late
Meaning: Time advancing to a late hour up to the present.
Example: It has gotten late; we should head home.
14. Have gotten caught
Meaning: Being discovered or trapped up to the present.
Example: I have gotten caught in the rain too many times.
15. Has gotten stronger
Meaning: Increasing in physical or abstract strength over time.
Example: The storm has gotten stronger overnight.
16. Have gotten away
Meaning: Escaping or leaving up to the present moment.
Example: The thieves have gotten away with the jewelry.
17. Have gotten rich
Meaning: Accumulating wealth over time up to now.
Example: Many investors have gotten rich from tech stocks.
18. Has gotten cold
Meaning: The temperature dropping over time up to now.
Example: The coffee has gotten cold while we were talking.
19. Have gotten permission
Meaning: Receiving authorization at some point up to now.
Example: We have gotten permission to publish the study.
20. Has gotten complicated
Meaning: A situation becoming complex over time.
Example: The merger has gotten complicated due to regulations.
Collocations
Got an email
Meaning: Received an electronic message in the past.
Example: I got an email from the HR department yesterday.
Got home
Meaning: Arrived at one's residence in the past.
Example: She got home just before midnight.
Got angry
Meaning: Became angry in the past.
Example: He got angry when the printer jammed.
Got lost
Meaning: Lost one's way in the past.
Example: We got lost on the hiking trail.
Got a job
Meaning: Secured employment in the past.
Example: He got a job at the bank downtown.
Got married
Meaning: Entered into marriage in the past.
Example: They got married five years ago.
Got ready
Meaning: Prepared in the past.
Example: I got ready for the interview quickly.
Got hurt
Meaning: Sustained an injury in the past.
Example: The athlete got hurt in the first quarter.
Got dressed
Meaning: Put on clothes in the past.
Example: She got dressed and went to the gym.
Got a chance
Meaning: Received an opportunity in the past.
Example: I got a chance to meet the CEO.
Have gotten better
Meaning: Improved up to the present.
Example: His health has gotten better this week.
Had gotten worse
Meaning: Deteriorated before a past event.
Example: The weather had gotten worse before we left.
Have gotten used to
Meaning: Became accustomed to up to now.
Example: I have gotten used to the early hours.
Have gotten rid of
Meaning: Eliminated up to the present.
Example: We have gotten rid of the old files.
Have gotten over
Meaning: Recovered from up to the present.
Example: She has gotten over the flu.
Has gotten out of hand
Meaning: Became uncontrollable up to the present.
Example: The budget has gotten out of hand.
Have gotten to know
Meaning: Became familiar with up to the present.
Example: I have gotten to know the team well.
Has gotten easier
Meaning: Became less difficult up to the present.
Example: The commute has gotten easier.
Have gotten an answer
Meaning: Received a response up to now.
Example: We have gotten an answer from the client.
Has gotten complicated
Meaning: Became complex up to the present.
Example: The legal case has gotten complicated.
Idioms
Got your back
Meaning: To have provided support or protection in the past.
Example: When the boss yelled at me, my coworker got my back by explaining the situation.
Got cold feet
Meaning: Lost courage or became nervous before a past event.
Example: He got cold feet right before his wedding and had to be talked down.
Got out of hand
Meaning: Became uncontrollable in the past.
Example: The party got out of hand when uninvited guests arrived.
Got the hang of it
Meaning: Learned how to do something in the past.
Example: After a few tries, she got the hang of riding a bike.
Got a lot on my plate
Meaning: Had a lot of tasks or responsibilities in the past.
Example: I couldn't help him last week because I got a lot on my plate.
Got a raw deal
Meaning: Received unfair treatment in the past.
Example: The employee got a raw deal when the company laid her off.
Got my foot in the door
Meaning: Secured an initial opportunity in the past.
Example: He got his foot in the door by working as an unpaid intern.
Got the upper hand
Meaning: Gained an advantage in the past.
Example: In the second half, the home team got the upper hand.
Got wind of
Meaning: Heard a secret or rumor in the past.
Example: The press got wind of the scandal before it was officially announced.
Have got to go
Meaning: Present tense idiom meaning must leave immediately.
Example: Look at the time! I have got to go now.
Have gotten cold feet
Meaning: Have currently lost courage about an upcoming event.
Example: She has gotten cold feet about moving across the country.
Has gotten out of hand
Meaning: Has currently become uncontrollable.
Example: The spending on this project has gotten out of hand.
Have gotten the hang of it
Meaning: Have currently learned how to do something.
Example: I have finally gotten the hang of the new software.
Has gotten a raw deal
Meaning: Has currently received unfair treatment.
Example: He has gotten a raw deal in these recent negotiations.
Have gotten my foot in the door
Meaning: Have currently secured an initial opportunity.
Example: By networking, I have gotten my foot in the door at three major firms.
Have gotten the upper hand
Meaning: Have currently gained an advantage.
Example: The rebels have gotten the upper hand in the conflict.
Has gotten wind of
Meaning: Has currently heard a secret or rumor.
Example: The media has gotten wind of the new product launch.
Have gotten off on the wrong foot
Meaning: Have currently started a relationship poorly.
Example: We have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I hope we can be friends.
Has gotten under my skin
Meaning: Has currently begun to annoy or bother someone.
Example: His constant humming has gotten under my skin today.
Have gotten the short end of the stick
Meaning: Have currently received the worst outcome.
Example: Taxpayers have gotten the short end of the stick in this deal.
Example Sentences
Easy
- I got a new bike for my birthday.
- She has gotten much taller this year.
- We got lost on the way to the park.
- He has gotten three letters today.
- They got home late last night.
- I have gotten better at playing the piano.
- The dog got out of the yard.
- The weather has gotten cold.
- She got a good grade on the test.
- He has gotten used to the noise.
- We got tickets to the movie.
- They have gotten ready for school.
- I got an email from my friend.
- My phone has gotten slow.
- He got a new job downtown.
- She has gotten over her cold.
- The kids got tired after playing.
- We have gotten rid of the old couch.
- I got a cup of coffee this morning.
- The room has gotten messy.
Intermediate
- He got a promotion after working at the company for three years.
- She has gotten quite good at speaking Spanish.
- They got caught in the heavy rain yesterday.
- I have gotten to know my neighbors better lately.
- We got permission to leave early.
- The situation has gotten worse since we last spoke.
- She got angry when they canceled the meeting.
- He has gotten involved in local politics.
- I got an idea while taking a walk.
- We have gotten a lot of positive feedback.
- They got married last summer in Hawaii.
- The project has gotten more complicated.
- He got lost in the downtown area.
- She had gotten tired of waiting, so she left.
- We got to the airport just in time.
- He has gotten over his fear of public speaking.
- I got a chance to travel to Japan.
- The kids have gotten out of control.
- She got a flat tire on the highway.
- I have gotten used to waking up early.
Advanced
- The protagonist got entangled in a complex web of deceit.
- The political climate has gotten increasingly polarized over the last decade.
- She got a glimpse of the rare bird before it flew away.
- He has gotten wind of the upcoming management changes.
- They got the short end of the stick in that negotiation.
- The novel's plot has gotten quite convoluted in the later chapters.
- We got a head start on the competition.
- She has gotten the hang of the new software after weeks of practice.
- He got cold feet right before the big presentation.
- The economic disparity has gotten worse in urban areas.
- They got word that the expedition was delayed.
- The philosophical argument has gotten too abstract for the audience.
- She got a raw deal when the company restructured.
- He has gotten his foot in the door of the fashion industry.
- We got the upper hand in the final quarter.
- The linguistic landscape has gotten more diverse.
- She got wind of the conspiracy before anyone else.
- The environmental situation has gotten critical.
- They got off on the wrong foot during their first meeting.
- He has gotten over the initial shock of the tragedy.
Academic
- The researchers got unexpected results during the control phase.
- The academic discourse has gotten more interdisciplinary recently.
- She got a grant to fund her doctoral research.
- The hypothesis has gotten widespread support from peers.
- They got access to the restricted historical archives.
- The methodology has gotten more rigorous over time.
- He got a fellowship at the university.
- The debate has gotten highly theoretical.
- The study got published in a top-tier journal.
- The theoretical framework has gotten increasingly complex.
- She got permission to conduct the human trials.
- The academic standards have gotten stricter.
- They got approval from the ethics committee.
- The paradigm has gotten a major shift in recent years.
- He got a chance to present his findings.
- The literature review has gotten quite extensive.
- We got a new perspective on the historical event.
- The peer review process has gotten more transparent.
- She got an award for her thesis.
- The curriculum has gotten updated to reflect modern science.
Business
- We got a new client last week.
- The market share has gotten larger this quarter.
- They got a loan from the bank.
- The contract has gotten approval from the legal team.
- She got a raise after her excellent performance.
- The supply chain issues have gotten better.
- We got the materials we needed.
- The company has gotten more profitable.
- He got promoted to Senior Manager.
- The deadline has gotten extended.
- They got a good deal on the office furniture.
- The team has gotten used to the new software.
- We got feedback on the proposal.
- The financial situation has gotten stable.
- She got assigned to the international branch.
- The product launch has gotten delayed.
- They got rid of the outdated policy.
- The negotiation has gotten more intense.
- We got a head start on the campaign.
- Employee morale has gotten much higher.
Real-Life Conversations
Office
Colleague 1: Did you get the email about the meeting change?
Colleague 2: Yes, I got it this morning. Has the boss gotten back to you yet?
Colleague 1: No, he hasn't gotten a chance to review my proposal.
Colleague 2: Don't worry, the situation hasn't gotten urgent yet.
School
Student: I got an A on my history paper!
Teacher: That's great! Your writing has gotten much better.
Student: Thanks! Have you gotten my application for the scholarship?
Teacher: Yes, I got it yesterday. I'll review it tonight.
Travel
Passenger: We got to the hotel late last night.
Agent: Have you gotten any rest since you arrived?
Passenger: No, I got lost looking for my room and stayed up.
Agent: I'm sorry. The layout has gotten confusing since the renovation.
Home
Parent: I got groceries after work today.
Teen: Have you gotten the mail yet?
Parent: Yes, and the house has gotten messy, so please clean up.
Formal vs Informal Usage
Performance Reviews
In evaluations, 'got' is used to describe past achievements, while 'gotten' describes skills developed up to the present.
Example: He got the top sales award, and his communication skills have gotten noticeably sharper.
Project Updates
In reporting, 'got' describes a past acquisition of resources, while 'gotten' describes the current state of progress.
Example: We got the funding last week, but the timeline has gotten much tighter.
Business English
Client Feedback
When discussing clients, 'got' refers to a past communication, while 'gotten' refers to the reception or ongoing relationship.
Example: We got a complaint yesterday, and the client has gotten frustrated with the delays.
Market Analysis
In business analysis, 'got' describes past market conditions, while 'gotten' describes gradual shifts up to now.
Example: The company got a large market share in the 90s, but the industry has gotten highly competitive recently.
Academic Writing
Research Findings
In academic contexts, 'got' reports a specific past result, while 'gotten' notes a shift in academic consensus up to the present.
Example: The experiment got positive results, and the theory has gotten widespread acceptance.
Curriculum Development
In education planning, 'got' notes past approval, while 'gotten' notes the evolution of standards over time.
Example: We got permission for the new course, and the materials have gotten much more comprehensive.
Common Mistakes
I have got a new car yesterday.
Correct: I got a new car yesterday.
Why: Because 'yesterday' specifies a past time, use the simple past 'got', not the present perfect 'have got'.
She has got much better at math over the year.
Correct: She has gotten much better at math over the year.
Why: In American English, 'gotten' is the correct past participle to form the present perfect tense for a gradual change.
I have gotten a pen in my pocket.
Correct: I have got a pen in my pocket.
Why: For present possession, the idiom 'have got' is correct. 'Have gotten' means acquiring recently.
He gotten the award last night.
Correct: He got the award last night.
Why: 'Gotten' requires a helping verb. For a simple past action, use 'got'.
They had got lost before they found help.
Correct: They had gotten lost before they found help.
Why: In US English, the past perfect tense requires the past participle 'gotten', not 'got'.
We got used to the new system over the past month.
Correct: We have gotten used to the new system over the past month.
Why: Because the adaptation happened over time up to the present, use the present perfect 'have gotten'.
She has gotten married last year.
Correct: She got married last year.
Why: Specific past time references like 'last year' require the simple past 'got'.
I got a lot of emails this week.
Correct: I have gotten a lot of emails this week.
Why: Because 'this week' is an unfinished time period, use the present perfect 'have gotten'.
The weather has got worse lately.
Correct: The weather has gotten worse lately.
Why: In American English, 'gotten' is the proper past participle for describing a change of state over time.
He has gotten a new job yesterday.
Correct: He got a new job yesterday.
Why: Use the simple past 'got' for completed actions at a specific past time.
Learning Tips
Memory Trick: Got = Past action
'Got' is the simple past tense. Use it for actions that started and ended in the past.
Memory Trick: Gotten = Goes with Have
Notice the double 'O' and 'E'. If you can use 'Have', 'Has', or 'Had', you can use 'Gotten'.
Pronunciation Check
'Got' is one short syllable. 'Gotten' is two syllables ending in an 'en' sound, just like 'eaten' or 'written'.
The Possession Exception
When you mean 'to possess' right now, always use 'have got'. 'I have got a car' is correct; 'I have gotten a car' means you recently acquired one.
The Substitute Test
If you can remove 'have/has/had' from the sentence and it still makes sense as a past action, use 'got'. If it falls apart without the helper verb, use 'gotten'.
🎮 Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the main difference between got and gotten?
'Got' is the simple past tense of 'get', used for completed past actions. 'Gotten' is the past participle, used with 'have', 'has', or 'had' to form perfect tenses.
Is 'gotten' proper English?
Yes, 'gotten' is standard American English. It is the correct past participle of 'get' in the US, though it is rarely used in British English.
Why do British people say 'got' instead of 'gotten'?
British English largely dropped the use of 'gotten' in the 18th century, adopting 'got' as both the simple past and the past participle. American English retained the distinction.
What is the difference between 'have got' and 'have gotten'?
'Have got' is a present-tense idiom meaning 'to possess' (e.g., I have got a dog). 'Have gotten' means you acquired something recently or have become something over time (e.g., I have gotten a new dog; I have gotten tired).
Can I use 'got' as the past participle in America?
Only in the specific idioms 'have got' (possession) and 'have got to' (obligation). For all other perfect tenses describing acquisition or change, Americans use 'gotten'.
How do you pronounce 'gotten'?
'Gotten' is pronounced /ˈɡɑtən/, with two syllables. The stress is on the first syllable, and the second syllable sounds like 'en'.
Is 'gotten' informal?
No, 'gotten' is used in both formal and informal American English. It is the grammatically correct standard past participle.
What's the rule for using 'gotten'?
Always use 'gotten' when it is paired with 'have', 'has', or 'had' to indicate receiving, acquiring, or becoming something.
Can I say 'I have gotten a cold'?
Yes, it means you recently caught a cold. If you say 'I have got a cold', it means you are currently experiencing the symptoms of a cold.
What about 'have got to'?
The phrase 'have got to' is a present-tense idiom meaning 'must'. It always uses 'got', never 'gotten' (e.g., I have got to leave now).
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