Have got & have gotten

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Jandi

#47274 Sat, 25 Sep 04 12:57 PM

Hello, teachers!

Can we say either got or gotten in this sentence?

- We've really got/gotten this business going now.

Thank you very much.
Peace!

Jandi

Joined on Tue, Sep 7 2004

Full Member (348)

Mister Micawber

#47290 Sat, 25 Sep 04 03:57 PM

Hi Jandi,

If memory serves, 'have got' is more pervasive in BrE, and 'have gotten' is more so in AmE. Both carry the same meaning and both are fine.

As a Canadian American, I perceive a SLIGHT nuance of difference, in that 'have got' suggests the completed event (of started business), while 'have gotten' suggests the process involved in doing so. I don't think this variance should concern you at this stage, as I feel it is quite subtle and of little practical significance.

Mister Micawber

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (21,070)

'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'