GTG stands for got to go: I have to leave now. It's a quick way to end a chat with friends, often with a reason: gtg, mum's calling. Less often, the same letters mean good to go: everything's ready, we can leave: we're gtg. The situation shows which meaning is intended.
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gtg + reason / ttyl; sorry, gtg; we're gtg (= good to go)
- sorry gtg, my bus is here, talk later
- omg it's 2am and I start work at 8, gtg
- the car's packed and the tank is full, we're gtg
What changed
First versionDear Professor Hill, gtg now, but I will send the essay tonight.
RevisionDear Professor Hill, I have to leave now, but I will send the essay tonight.
Gtg is an abbreviation from friendly chats. In a message to a teacher after Dear Professor Hill, it sounds careless, so the thought is written in full: I have to leave now. In IELTS Speaking people also say it neutrally: I have to go.
Brb (be right back) means you're stepping away for a minute and will carry on: brb, someone's at the door. Gtg means you're leaving and the chat is over for today: gtg, see you tomorrow.
Your turn
It's midnight and I've got an exam at eight, ___, talk tomorrow!
Show the answer
gtg — It's midnight, there's an exam in the morning, and the chat is moving to tomorrow, so the person is leaving: gtg. Brb promises to be back in a couple of minutes, not tomorrow.
Write to a friend that you need to end the chat right now. Give the reason and say when you'll write again.
gtg, my boss just called a meeting, I'll text you after six
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