How Do You Spell GOT TO?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒt tuː] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "got to" can be a bit confusing. The first word, "got," is spelled with a long "o" sound and a "t" at the end, while the second word, "to," is spelled with a long "u" sound and a silent "e" at the end. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for "got to" is /ɡɒt tuː/. This shows that the "o" in "got" is pronounced with an /ɒ/ while the "o" in "to" is pronounced with a /uː/.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
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GOT TO Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "got to" is an idiomatic expression that can be used as a verb phrase or a modal verb. When used as a verb phrase, it means to need to or have an obligation to do something. It implies a sense of necessity or urgency. For example, one might say, "I've got to finish my homework before tomorrow" to convey the urgency or importance attached to completing the task.

    As a modal verb, "got to" serves to express duty, permission, or opportunity. It implies that there is a requirement, allowance, or chance to accomplish an action. For instance, in the sentence, "She's got to visit her grandmother," the modal verb suggests that there is an obligation for her to go and see her relative.

    The phrase "got to" can also denote inevitability or the fulfillment of a goal. It reflects a situation where something is bound to happen or a desired outcome will be achieved. For example, a person may say, "I've finally got to meet my favorite actor," indicating that they have successfully achieved their goal of meeting the actor.

    In summary, "got to" is a versatile expression used to indicate an obligation, necessity, duty, permission, or inevitability. Its meaning may vary based on the context in which it is used.

Common Misspellings for GOT TO

  • gotta
  • gotto
  • go ta
  • vot to
  • hot to
  • yot to
  • tot to
  • gkt to
  • glt to
  • gpt to
  • g0t to
  • g9t to
  • gof to
  • gog to
  • goy to
  • go6 to
  • go5 to
  • got ro
  • got fo
  • got yo

Etymology of GOT TO

The expression "got to" is a colloquial form of "have to", which means "must" or "need to". The etymology of "got to" can be traced back to Old English.

The verb "get" in Old English had the meaning of "to obtain" or "to acquire". Over time, it gained additional meanings, including "to come into possession of" or "to gain access to". In Middle English, "get" started being used to express necessity or obligation, leading to the emergence of the phrase "have to".

The transformation from "have to" to "got to" is believed to have occurred due to various factors, including regional dialects, informal speech patterns, and the influence of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The contraction "have" to "hav" and then to "got" can be observed in some rural and dialectical variations of English.

Idioms with the word GOT TO

  • you've got to laugh The idiom "you've got to laugh" means that despite facing difficult or amusing situations, it is important to find humor and see the lighter side of things. It indicates the necessity or relevance of humor and the ability to find amusement in various circumstances, even those that may seem frustrating or absurd.
  • You got to do what you got to do The idiom "You got to do what you got to do" means that sometimes one has to fulfill certain obligations or take necessary actions, regardless of personal preferences or possible challenges, in order to achieve a desired outcome or overcome difficulties. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting the need for tough or undesirable choices or actions.
  • got to split The idiom "got to split" means that someone has to leave or go somewhere quickly. It's often used when there is a sudden need to depart from a location or end a conversation.
  • got to run The idiom "got to run" means that someone needs to leave or depart immediately because they have something urgent to attend to or a time constraint. It implies the need to go quickly or without delay.
  • got to go The idiom "got to go" is a casual expression used to indicate the need or desire to leave or depart from a place or situation. It signifies that the person must go, often due to time constraints, prior commitments, or other urgent reasons.
  • got to give The idiom "got to give" typically means that one must acknowledge or recognize something, usually a positive attribute or quality possessed by someone or something. It is used to highlight the need to give credit or praise for something well-deserved.
  • A man's got to do what a man's got to do The idiom "A man's got to do what a man's got to do" means that a person, especially a man, is obligated or compelled to perform a certain action or duty, regardless of how difficult or unpleasant it may be. It implies a sense of taking responsibility, fulfilling obligations, or doing what is necessary, regardless of personal preferences or desires.
  • you have/you’ve got to laugh The idiom "you have/you’ve got to laugh" is a statement used to express the need to find humor or amusement in difficult or absurd situations. It suggests that sometimes the best reaction is to laugh at the absurdity or irony of a situation in order to cope or maintain a positive outlook.
  • I’ve got to fly The idiom "I've got to fly" is a casual and colloquial expression that means one needs to leave quickly or be in a hurry to depart. It implies a sense of urgency or a time constraint, indicating a need to go somewhere or do something immediately.
  • I’ve got to split The idiom "I've got to split" means that the speaker needs to leave or depart quickly. It is often used informally to indicate that one has to go or has an urgent matter to attend to.
  • Something’s got to give The idiom "something's got to give" means that a situation or circumstance has reached a point where it is no longer sustainable or tolerable and a change or resolution must occur. It implies that the current state of affairs cannot continue without a consequence, and that a compromise, adjustment, or resolution is necessary.
  • you've got to be in it to win it The idiom "you've got to be in it to win it" means that one must actively participate or take a chance in order to have a chance of succeeding or winning. It emphasizes the importance of getting involved or taking action rather than simply hoping for a positive outcome without any effort.
  • you have got to be kidding The idiom "you have got to be kidding" is an expression used to convey disbelief or incredulity towards something that seems absurd, impossible, or highly unlikely. It suggests that the speaker cannot believe what they have heard or witnessed and assumes that the information is a joke or a humorous exaggeration.
  • What's that got to do with the price of tea in China? The idiom "What's that got to do with the price of tea in China?" is used to express indifference or disregard for an irrelevant or unrelated comment or situation. It implies that the mentioned topic has no relevance or connection to the current discussion or issue at hand. It emphasizes that the mentioned detail holds no significance in the context being discussed.
  • you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette The idiom "you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette" means that sometimes in order to achieve something good or to make progress, sacrifices or difficulties must be endured. It emphasizes that in most situations, a degree of inconvenience, loss, or inconvenience is necessary to achieve a desired outcome.
  • You've got to be kidding! The idiomatic expression "You've got to be kidding!" is used to express disbelief or skepticism towards something that has been said or done. It conveys the idea that what has been presented is so surprising or ridiculous that it is difficult to believe.
  • (I've) got to go home and get my beauty sleep. The idiom "(I've) got to go home and get my beauty sleep" is typically used humorously to indicate that someone needs to go home and get some rest in order to maintain their appearance or attractiveness. It implies that sleep is essential for one's physical appearance or well-being.
  • What's that got to do with the price of cheese? The idiom "What's that got to do with the price of cheese?" is a rhetorical question that is typically used to express confusion or skepticism about the relevance of a statement or topic to the current situation or discussion. It implies that the mentioned matter bears no logical connection or significant impact on the subject at hand.
  • got to go home and get my beauty sleep The idiom "got to go home and get my beauty sleep" is used to humorously convey the need for sufficient sleep in order to maintain one's physical appearance, particularly when someone is tired and feels the need to rest.
  • what have you got to lose?, at you've got nothing to lose The idiom "what have you got to lose?" is a rhetorical question used to encourage someone to take a chance or try something new, emphasizing that there is little or no risk involved. It suggests that the person should consider attempting something because there are no negative consequences or potential losses. A similar phrase, "you've got nothing to lose," conveys the same meaning, reassuring individuals that there is little at stake if they choose to take a particular course of action.
  • (I've) got to get moving. The idiom "(I've) got to get moving" means that it is necessary or imperative to start taking action or to leave a specific place. It expresses the urgency or need to begin doing something or to proceed with a task or journey quickly.
  • have got to be kidding The idiom "have got to be kidding" is used to express disbelief or incredulity towards something that has been said or done. It often implies that the speaker finds what they have heard or experienced to be ridiculous or hard to believe.
  • (I've) got to split. The idiom "(I've) got to split" is a colloquial expression used to convey the need or obligation to leave a place or situation quickly or promptly. It signifies that the speaker has to go or depart immediately.
  • have got to (do something) The idiomatic phrase "have got to (do something)" means to must or to have an obligation or necessity to do something. It expresses a strong sense of compulsion or requirement.
  • What's that got to do with the price of fish? The idiom "What's that got to do with the price of fish?" is used to question the relevance or connection between two unrelated topics or statements. It expresses surprise or disagreement when an irrelevant comment or information is introduced into a conversation. It suggests that the mentioned topic or statement has no bearing on the current discussion or situation.
  • what have you got to say for yourself? The idiom "what have you got to say for yourself?" is a rhetorical question that is used to question someone's actions or behavior, often indicating dissatisfaction, disappointment, or the need for an explanation or justification for their actions. It is a way of expecting the person to provide a reasonable or satisfactory response or defense for their behavior or choices.
  • you have got to be kidding (me) The idiom "you have got to be kidding (me)" is an expression used to convey disbelief or incredulity at something that has been said or done. It implies that the speaker perceives the situation as highly unlikely, absurd, or outrageous.
  • got to get moving The idiom "got to get moving" typically means that it is necessary or important to start taking action or making progress towards a specific goal or objective. It implies a sense of urgency or need to not waste time and begin doing something.
  • got to take off The idiom "got to take off" typically means to leave or depart quickly, often referring to leaving a place or discontinuing an activity abruptly. It can imply a sense of urgency or the need to attend to something else immediately.
  • What's that got to do with the price of meat? The idiom "What's that got to do with the price of meat?" is a rhetorical question used to challenge the relevance or connection of a particular statement or fact to the current topic or situation. It implies that the mentioned information or issue is irrelevant and does not affect or contribute to the matter being discussed.
  • you've got to be joking, at you must be joking The idiom "you've got to be joking" or "you must be joking" is an expression used to convey disbelief or skepticism towards something that has been said or done. It implies that the speaker finds the statement or action so unbelievable or outrageous that they assume it must be a joke or not meant to be taken seriously.
  • What's that got to do with the price of eggs? The idiom "What's that got to do with the price of eggs?" is used to express that something is irrelevant or unrelated to the current topic or situation being discussed. It emphasizes that the mentioned information or statement has no direct connection or impact on the matter at hand.
  • you’ve got to be kidding The idiom "you’ve got to be kidding" is an expression used to convey disbelief or astonishment. It suggests that something is too surprising, absurd, or unlikely to be true.
  • you have to laugh, at you've got to laugh The idiom "you have to laugh" or "you've got to laugh" is used to express the idea that in certain situations, especially difficult or challenging ones, it's better to find humor or see the amusing side rather than dwell on the negative aspects. It suggests that laughter can be a coping mechanism or a way to maintain a positive outlook despite the circumstances.
  • I've got to fly The idiom "I've got to fly" is often used to indicate that one needs to leave quickly or urgently. It implies the need to depart from the current location or situation promptly. It is a casual expression typically used to convey a sense of time constraint or a tight schedule.

Similar spelling words for GOT TO

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