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Amy
I have got a problem.
In this sentence, have got is NOT present perfect.
I've got a problem= I have a problem.
I was just wondering the reason.
Oct 3, 2017 10:49 AM
Answers · 5
2
The form is the same as the present perfect, but the meaning refers only to present time.
Originally, a statement such as "I've got a problem" did refer to a present perfect concept ( the idea that you have acquired a problem in some way) . But over time, we've come to use the 'have got' form as an informal/colloquial alternative to 'I have', and the idea of acquisition has been lost.
Just think of it as an idiomatic way of talking about a present situation.
By the way, it is always worth remembering that the present perfect is a PRESENT tense, because it tells you something about the present time. Just as "I've lost my key" tells you that you don't have your key now, "I've got a problem", tells you that you have a problem now. If you look at it this way, it isn't that strange, is it?
October 3, 2017
Hi Amy, you might find this link useful: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv323.shtml
October 3, 2017
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Amy
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English, German, Greek (Ancient), Hebrew, Latin, Swedish
Learning Language
Dutch, English, German, Greek (Ancient), Latin
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