The word "gotten"

Discussion in 'Water Cooler' started by Nick, Jun 26, 2009.

  1. Nick

    Nick Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2008
    Messages:
    7,441
    Likes Received:
    218
    Is is totally proper? I have almost used it in many situations but I always hesitate, because it seems so weird.

    Anybody else feel the same way? I'm sure it's a real word of course, but how proper is it?
     
  2. Wayne Luke

    Wayne Luke Regular Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2009
    Messages:
    991
    Likes Received:
    276
    It is the past participle of the verb get. So it is proper and is appropriate in the correct situations.
     
  3. Nick

    Nick Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2008
    Messages:
    7,441
    Likes Received:
    218
    For example, "I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet." I guess that's technically proper, but it just sounds so weird to me and I don't feel comfortable typing/saying it.
     
  4. Chris

    Chris Regular Member

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2007
    Messages:
    5,422
    Likes Received:
    86
    I agree - it's weird and I generally refrain from using it... but sometimes, it's inevitable.
     
  5. Wayne Luke

    Wayne Luke Regular Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2009
    Messages:
    991
    Likes Received:
    276
    In most cases, simpler is better. The purpose of long words and sentences is actually a means of pretentiousness. The previous sentence is a case on the point. With Nick's example, it would probably just be better to say "I haven't fixed that yet". It gives the same exact meaning in the long run, at least to English speakers. People will understand you better if your language is natural instead of contrived. Remember that proper and best use are not always the same thing.

    One exception would be that if you know something is going to be translated, you might want to use more verbose speech so context isn't lost.
     
  6. Ak Worm

    Ak Worm Grand Master

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    Messages:
    979
    Likes Received:
    20
    First Name:
    Corey
    FORGotten?

    Whats That

    Forgot

    Forget

    They All Sound Weird....

    Dont They?
     
  7. Paul M

    Paul M Dr Pepper Addict

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2009
    Messages:
    449
    Likes Received:
    136
    Location:
    Nottingham, UK
    According to dictionary.com ;

    In British English got is the regular past participle of get, and gotten survives only in a few set phrases, such as ill-gotten gains.

    In American English gotten, although occasionally criticized, is an alternative standard past participle in most senses, especially in the senses “to receive” or “to acquire”: I have gotten (or got) all that I ever hoped for.


    Not something ive heard used much. In your example Nick, we would say "I haven't got around to fixing it yet".

    Well actually, I would say "I aint got round to fixing it yet", but thats another discussion :)
     
  8. Ak Worm

    Ak Worm Grand Master

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    Messages:
    979
    Likes Received:
    20
    First Name:
    Corey
    Thanks For The Info......
     

Share This Page