The Verb Got:
When describing states of ownership or health in British English, the “have + got” structure is used.
In American English, the verb “have” is used by itself.
Also note that in British English, the past participle of “got” is “got.”
But in American English, the past participle of “got” is “gotten.”
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The Verb Got
Examples:
British English: I’ve got a cold.
American English: I have a cold.
The Present Perfect Tense:
The present perfect is used in British English when describing recent events.
However, when giving news or discussing current events in American English, the simple past is used.
Examples:
British English: Your mother has just called.
American English: Your mother just called.
Now, look at the pairs of sentences below. Choose the one which is written in American English.
Exercise 1:
(A) I have got a bad headache.
(B) I have a bad headache.
Exercise 2:
(A) I have just had an accident in the car.
(B) I just had an accident in the car.
Exercise 3:
(A) Her young boy has gotten in trouble at school again.
(B) Her young boy has got in trouble at school again.
Exercise 4:
(A) Did you hear the news? Tony proposed to Janet?
(B) Have you heard the news? Tony has proposed to Janet?
Exercise 5:
(A) I have got four brothers and one sister.
(B) I have four brothers and one sister.
Exercises for TOEFL Grammar – Part 2 Answers
If you need to refresh your memory about TOEFL grammar, please look at the above rules again.
The sentences below are written in American English.
Exercise 1:
(B) I have a bad headache.
“Have” is used in American English to describe states of health or possession.
In British English, “have + got” is used.
Exercise 2:
(B) I just had an accident in the car.
In American English, the simple past tense is used to give news.
Exercise 3:
(A) Her young boy has gotten in trouble at school again.
The past participle of “got” is “gotten” in American English.
Exercise 4:
(A) Did you hear the news? Tony proposed to Janet?
Remember that the simple past tense is used to give news in American English.
Exercise 5:
(B) I have four brothers and one sister.
Remember: In American English, “have” is used to talk about possession.