New2grammar Hi Philip, Do you mind explaning "have" and "got" in the same verb phrase. In fact, I try to avoid "got" altogether. "
What is "the same verb phrase"? And do you mean you never use got or not use it in the same verb phrase?
In my book, "I've got something to tell you," should be "I have something to tell you."
"I've got to go now" should be "I must leave now".
"I've got a terrific idea" should be "I have a terrific idea."
[I'm talking about formal language here, of course.]
I don't like "got", as it can be used in so many phrases. I think learners of English should use other words:
I got a nice birthday present: I received a nice birthday present
I got an idea yesterday: I had an idea yesterday
I got your meaning: I understand your meaning
I got your letter: Your letter arrived
I got sick: I became ill
I realize I am a minority in objecting to the overuse of 'got', especially with 'have', but I maintain that there are other ways of expressing the same idea. "I 'have got' is something I just avoid altogether.