got to run

USAGE SUMMARY

"got to run" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that you need to leave or hurry. Example: "I really got to run if I want to catch the bus." Alternative expressions include "have to go" and "need to leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You've really got to run".

The New York Times

I've got to run.

The Guardian

"I got to run the light show!

The New Yorker

"We've got to run the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've got to run it out.

The New York Times - Sports

Then I've got to run".

The New Yorker

Then we got to run.

The New Yorker

They've all got to run again.

The Guardian - Sport

They've got to run against Bush".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

You got to run.

The New York Times - Magazine

You've got to run the ball extremely well.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got to run" in informal contexts when you want to express a need to leave quickly or urgently. It's suitable for casual conversations but may be too informal for professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "got to run" in formal writing or presentations. Opt for alternatives like "must depart" or "need to leave" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got to run" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the need to leave or depart quickly. It is used to communicate urgency or a prior commitment, as seen in Ludwig examples, where speakers use it to excuse themselves from a conversation or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got to run" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the need to leave or depart quickly. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is frequently found in news and media sources and is best suited for informal contexts. When a more formal tone is required, alternatives such as "must depart" or "need to leave" are more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have to leave

Uses a different verb ("leave") to express the need to depart, focusing on the action of leaving rather than running.

need to go

Emphasizes the necessity of leaving, using simpler vocabulary.

must depart

A more formal alternative, suggesting a required departure.

should be going

Indicates a recommendation or obligation to leave soon.

it's time for me to go

A more elaborate way of saying "I need to leave", adding a personal element.

I'm off

An informal way to indicate departure.

I must be on my way

A polite and somewhat formal way to announce one's departure.

time to head out

Suggests the action of leaving a place and starting a journey.

I'm needed elsewhere

Indicates a departure due to obligations at another location.

I'm running late

Implies departure due to tardiness, emphasizing the reason for leaving.

FAQs

How can I use "got to run" in a sentence?

You can use "got to run" to express that you need to leave quickly. For example, "I really "got to run" if I want to catch the bus".

What's a more formal way to say "got to run"?

More formal alternatives include "must depart", "need to leave", or "I must be on my way".

Is it appropriate to use "got to run" in professional emails?

While "got to run" is understandable, it's generally better to use a more professional closing like "I must depart" or "I need to leave" in formal communication.

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

"Got to run" is a more informal and colloquial version of "have to run". Both indicate a need to leave or hurry, but "have to run" is slightly more formal and can be used in a wider range of contexts.