In the UK, the old word “gotten” dropped out of use except in
such stock phrases as “ill-gotten” and “gotten up,” but in the
US it is frequently used as the past participle of “get.”
Sometimes the two are interchangeable, however, “got” implies
current possession, as in “I’ve got just five dollars to buy my
dinner with.” “Gotten,” in contrast, often implies the process
of getting hold of something: “I’ve gotten five dollars for
cleaning out Mrs. Quimby’s shed” emphasizing the earning of the
money rather than its possession. Phrases that involve some sort
of process usually involve “gotten”: “My grades have gotten
better since I moved out of the fraternity.” When you have to
leave, you’ve got to go. If you say you’ve “gotten to go” you’re
implying someone gave you permission to go. Return to list of
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