English Language & Usage Asked by Thuan Khang on October 26, 2020
On Cambridge Online Dictionary, the phrase "have got" is considered a formal alternative to simply "have", for example:
He has four cats.
He has got four cats.
I want to ask: Does adding an additional modal verb (e.g. must) change the meaning, or is the meaning of "must have got" & "must have" still the same?
In other words, do these sentences mean the same thing?:
He must have four cats.
He must have got four cats.
How about with modals apart from must?
I have 4 cats. = I currently own/am in charge of/possess 4 cats
I have got 4 cats. (British English) = (i) I have [very recently] received/bought/obtained, etc, 4 cats (ii) I currently possess 4 cats
(i) is more distinct in American English but the past participle is "gotten" - I have gotten 4 cats. This does not have the meaning of (ii).
Answered by Greybeard on October 26, 2020
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