Is "got to" exactly same as "have to"?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
"Got to" is a more informal, slang version of "have to", unless you say "have got to", which is still a bit informal. The meaning of both of these expressions is very similar as they mean that someone needs to do something, however, "have to" often implies that it was someone else's decision for something to be done or someone must do something because they were forced by someone else. Ex: I have to be home before dinner or else my mom will be mad. Ex: You have to go to school. "Got to" usually expresses more of an obligation or guilt by that person to do something. In a positive context it can be used to mean that someone needs to do something, but unlike "have to" it does not imply that they are forced. Ex: I don't want to go to the party but I've got to. Ex: You've got to try this food!
