- Common, informal ways to announce one's intention to leave a place or end a conversation.
- I should get going: Slightly softer, implies a sense of obligation or timeliness.
- Got to go: More direct statement of necessity to leave. (Contraction of Have got to go)
- Gotta run: Very informal and common, implies leaving quickly, often due to another commitment. (Contraction of Got to run)
Explanation
Origin
- I should get going: Standard English construction indicating advisability or mild obligation.
- Got to go: Shortening of I have got to go, a common structure indicating necessity.
- Gotta run: Gotta is a very common informal pronunciation/spelling of got to. Run is used metaphorically to mean leave quickly, perhaps evoking the image of running to the next appointment.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- I gotta jet. (Leave quickly)
- I gotta bounce. (Leave, often from a social gathering)
- I'm out. / I'm outta here. (Very informal declaration of leaving)
- Peace out. (Informal farewell, associated with 90s/00s slang but still used)
More Formal:
- I must be going now.
- I need to leave.
- It's time for me to depart. (Very formal)
- Excuse me, but I need to leave now.
Situational Appropriateness
- I should get going: Very versatile, informal to semi-formal. Polite.
- Got to go: Informal. Common among friends, family, close colleagues.
- Gotta run: Very informal. Best for friends or casual situations. Can sound rushed if not delivered carefully.
- Avoid Gotta run in formal settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward. Learners mainly need to recognize these as standard ways to signal departure politely (or quickly). Gotta run doesn't literally mean the person will start running.
Examples
- It was great catching up, but I should get going. Early start tomorrow.
- Whoops, look at the time! Got to go!
- Sorry, can't talk now, gotta run! Meeting in five.
Dialogue
Liam: ...so yeah, that's the latest news.
Noah: Interesting. Hey, it's already 6 PM, I should get going.
Liam: Oh, wow, time flies. Okay, man.
Noah: Gotta run, actually. Promised to pick up dinner.
Liam: Alright, no problem. See you!
Noah: Later! (Leaves)
Social Media Examples
- Chat Message: Hey, great chat but gotta run! Talk later?
- Tweet: Fun times hanging out, but I should get going. Early morning flight! #Goodnight
- End of a video call: Alright everyone, got to go pick up the kids. See you all tomorrow!
Response Patterns
- Okay, take care!
- Alright, see you later!
- Nice talking to you!
- Okay, drive safe.
- Sure, catch you later.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they have to leave:
- The other person usually acknowledges this and offers a farewell phrase (Okay, see ya!).
- Sometimes, brief plans are made (Text me later?, See you tomorrow?).
- Physical actions include gathering belongings, standing up, moving towards the exit.
After the farewell response (Okay, take care!):
- The person leaving often reciprocates (You too!, Bye!) and then departs.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used exclusively to end a conversation or announce departure.
Intonation
- Often said with a slightly apologetic or regretful tone, signaling the end of the interaction.
- I should get GOING. (Slight rise on 'going' possible)
- GOT to GO! (Can be abrupt or slightly rushed)
- Gotta RUN! (Often quick and high-pitched, emphasizing speed)
Generation Differences
- All three are common across most adult generations. Gotta run might be slightly more frequent among younger people, but widely understood. Slang alternatives like gotta bounce/jet are more generation-specific (younger).
Regional Variations
- All three are very common in American English. Also widely used in other regions like UK/Aus, though alternatives like I'd better be off might be more common in BrE.