Pronunciation Reduction Gotta

They gotta play.

Two common word reductions are going to, which becomes gonna, and want to, which becomes wanna. Another reduced sound that is similar to these two, is gotta. Gotta is the reduction of the two words got to. It is a common sound used by native English speakers for convenience. Like other reductions it is important to learn how to listen for it, while keeping in mind that the reduction is informal instead of formal English. It is always best to speak clearly and fluently, using formal English whenever possible.

Gotta is pronounced as a two syllable word, with the first syllable receiving the accent. It is pronounced as “got uh”. Unlike, gonna and wanna, there is only one way to pronounce gotta. Similar to the other two, a schwa sound is included in the last syllable.

To practice this, repeat the following sentence slowly three times:

• I got to go now.
• I got to go now.
• I got to go now.

Next, repeat the same sentence, but faster and with the gotta pronunciation reduction:

• I gotta go now.
• I gotta go now.
• I gotta go now.

Here are a few more examples of the gotta reduction:

• You got to leave. You gotta leave.
• They got to eat. They gotta eat.
• You got to try this. You gotta try this.
• We got to buy it. We gotta buy it.

Continue to listen for this reduction to improve your listening and comprehension skills. Keep in mind this is considered informal English. What do you gotta do to sound like an American?