got to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got to read" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
You can use it to express a necessity or strong desire to read something, often in casual contexts. Example: "I just got to read that new novel everyone's talking about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You've got to read it.

The Guardian - Books

You've got to read them".

The New Yorker

We even got to read e-mails.

The New York Times - Arts

So I thought, I've definitely got to read this.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This time, I got to read a part myself.

The New York Times

I got to read "Huckleberry Finn" for the first time when I was 35 years old.

The New York Times - Books

"We've got to read the text and see what they said, and decide".

The New York Times

Talk story about how Ernest Hemingway got to read his own obituary notices.

The New Yorker

"There were comfortable lounges by the pool and I got to read a book.

The New York Times - Travel

"She told me, 'You've got to read this script,"' Mr. McNamara said.

The New York Times

"They're all still fairly illiterate … you've got to read a letter for them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got to read" in informal contexts to express a sense of strong recommendation or necessity. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "must read" or "need to read".

Common error

Avoid using "got to read" in formal writing or professional communications. Its informal tone can undermine the seriousness of your message. Opt for more formal alternatives like "it is essential to read" or "it is required to read".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got to read" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or strong recommendation. It indicates that reading something is necessary or highly advisable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got to read" is a grammatically correct, yet informal, phrase used to express a necessity or strong recommendation to read something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in News & Media contexts. While widely used, it's best suited for informal conversations and writings, and less appropriate for formal or professional settings. For the latter, consider alternatives like "must read" or "need to read". Remember to adjust your language to suit the context and audience for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to read

Emphasizes a necessity or requirement to read something.

have to read

Indicates an obligation or duty to read.

must read

Highlights the importance of reading something.

should read

Suggests a recommendation to read something.

ought to read

Similar to 'should read', but slightly more formal.

required reading

Indicates that something is mandatory to read, often in academic settings.

essential reading

Highlights the critical importance of reading something.

it's imperative to read

Emphasizes the urgency and necessity of reading.

reading is crucial

Focuses on the importance of the act of reading itself.

can't miss this read

Suggests that something is highly engaging and worth reading.

FAQs

What is a more formal way to say "got to read"?

For more formal situations, you can use phrases like "must read", "need to read", or "essential reading".

Is "got to read" grammatically correct?

Yes, "got to read" is grammatically correct, although it is considered informal. It's derived from "have got to read", which is a more complete and grammatically standard form.

When is it appropriate to use "got to read"?

It is appropriate to use "got to read" in casual conversations, informal writing, and personal communications. Avoid it in formal reports, academic papers, or professional correspondence.

What's the difference between "got to read" and "have to read"?

While both phrases convey a sense of necessity, "have to read" is generally considered more formal and widely accepted in various contexts, whereas "got to read" is more informal and suited for casual conversation.