Gotta equivalents

Question

I have done a bad classification of the oral use of these expressions. Been the most used 1 and the less 5.

What are the most used in spoken American English?

1. I gotta
2. I got to
3. I've gotta
4. I've got to
5. I have to
6. I have got to

Please fill out your profile so that we may better help you . Bienvenido al fora , buena suerte amigo. - ray76, Sep 13, 2014

The first three are considered slang; the last three are correct. - rac1, Sep 13, 2014

Answer 1

The phrase "I have got to", most often shortened to I've got to is more often than not spoken as

• #1 - I gotta
• #2 - I've gotta

Honestly, that's about 95% of the way it's gonna be said and heard.

Usually, the only other times you'll hear the full words being spoken are when someone is

1. Stating emphatically that they NEED to do something they've been putting off doing or
2. When they're acknowledging something about themselves (their behavior or actions) that they need to change/altar/start doing. In these instances the words start or stop are pretty much always included.

In these instances, the word "got" also gets emphasized. It's said harder/stronger in order to emphasize the need to do whatever they're talking about.

The need to do something you've been putting off

• I've GOT to / I have GOT to get over to the mechanics this week. My car sounds like a banshee is giving birth.
• I've GOT to / I have GOT to get this yard cleaned up before the barbecue this weekend

Acknowledging something about themselves that they need to change or start/stop doing

• I've GOT to / I have GOT to start eating better. The doc says Ronald McDonald likely has a lower cholesterol level.
• The boss said I smell like a hobo. Man, I've GOT to / I have GOT to stop drinking so much on Sunday nights.

Hope that helps

Answer 2

I think all but #2 are fairly common. Although using #1, #2 or #3 will get you a bad grade in grammar.