Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

LeBron · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 103

Hi out there,

I have a question about the two slang words �gonna� and �wanna�.

My first intuition was that gonna means going to and wanna means want to. But I�m not absolutely sure so I�m asking you Smile

Greetings,
LeBron

Sirius · Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Posts: 119 Location: Canada

Your intuition is right

LeBron · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 103

Allright. Thanks for your fast answer Very Happy

Greetings,
LeBron

LeBron · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 103

One more thing:
Some minutes ago I read "gotta". What does it mean?

Greetings,
LeBron

Bob S. · Joined: 29 Apr 2004 Posts: 1767 Location: So. Cal

LeBron · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 103

Ahh ok, thanks Bob S.

I think I gradually understand the structure of these slang words Very Happy

Greetings,
LeBron

Lorikeet · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 1877 Location: San Francisco

Actually, they aren't really "slang" in my opinion. What they are is an attempt to show how American English is spoken.

Many (if not most) people where I come from say "gonna" instead of "going to" but "going to" is considered the correct written form, except for some very informal letters, or comic strips or books where people are speaking.