
educationApr 26, 20261:20failed
1040 - Got to → Gotta Speak Naturally in a Minute
About this episode
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about another very natural reduction in American English: “have got to.” In everyday conversation, HAVE GOT TO becomes “gotta.”
This is very common in casual, spoken American English.
Let's practice. Repeat after me.
Nice and smooth - gotta
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Today, let’s talk about another very natural reduction in American English: “have got to.” In everyday conversation, HAVE GOT TO becomes “gotta.”
- I've got to go. Becomes I gotta go.
- You've got to see this. Becomes You gotta see this.
- We've got to hurry. Becomes We gotta hurry.
This is very common in casual, spoken American English.
Let's practice. Repeat after me.
- I gotta go.
- You gotta see this
- We gotta hurry.
Nice and smooth - gotta
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
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