Diamondrg  +  573338 Sun, 05 Oct 08 09:29 AM Sam got to realize the importance of the problem. Is this sentence correct? If yes, what does "got to" add to the meaning of this sentence? Diamondrg Joined on Fri, Dec 2 2005 Contributing Member 1,043

	CalifJim  +  573348 Sun, 05 Oct 08 10:17 AM It's a little unusual (to my ear), but you can use get that way.  It suggests a gradual process that terminated in the full realization.  This way of casting the thought would go well with an introductory phrase like After much thought. I suspect there are very few verbs that can go after got to with this meaning.  realize seems to be one of them.  Perhaps other verbs of mental accomplishment can also be used. After years of experience, the teacher got to know how to present that concept effectively to beginners. Peter eventually got to understand that his parents really had his best interests at heart.  They were not simply mean people.  A good substitution is came instead of got.  I think I prefer came in these cases. Sam came to realize ... The teacher came to know how ... Peter eventually came to understand ...  CJ    CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 22,462 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche Verbs

	Diamondrg  +  573349 Sun, 05 Oct 08 10:22 AM Thank you, Jim. What do you think of the passive version? The importance of the problem got to be realized by Jim. or The importance of the problem came to be realized by Jim. Diamondrg

	CalifJim  +  573352 Sun, 05 Oct 08 10:30 AM Diamondrg “What do you think of the passive version?” Not much.   It strikes me a very unidiomatic with got, but merely awkward, though tolerable, with came. CJ  CalifJim