TOEFL iBT Grammar 2 - Exercises:

The Verb "Got":

When describing states of ownership or health in British English, the "have + got" structure is used.

In American English, the verb "have" is used by itself.

Also note that in British English, the past participle of "got" is "got."

But in American English, the past participle of "got" is "gotten."

Examples:

British English: I've got a cold.

American English: I have a cold.

The Present Perfect Tense:

The present perfect is used in British English when describing recent events.

However, when giving news or discussing current events in American English, the simple past is used.

Examples:

British English: Your mother has just called.

American English: Your mother just called.

Now, look at the pairs of sentences below. Choose the one which is written in American English.

Exercise 1:

(A) I have got a bad headache.

(B) I have a bad headache.

Exercise 2:

(A) I have just had an accident in the car.

(B) I just had an accident in the car.

Exercise 3:

(A) Her young boy has gotten in trouble at school again.

(B) Her young boy has got in trouble at school again.

Exercise 4:

(A) Did you hear the news? Tony proposed to Janet?

(B) Have you heard the news? Tony has proposed to Janet?

Exercise 5:

(A) I have got four brothers and one sister.

(B) I have four brothers and one sister.

To see the answers for the above exercises, please click on the link below.