[Britpicking] Help?

[shimotsuki]

I have a favo(u)r to ask of any British English speakers who might happen to see this.

I've submitted my redandthewolf story Seeds of Suspicion to a fanfic archive site, and my (American English speaking) beta there informs me that the phrase to have gotten, in her words, "drives the Brits mad." (I think I once knew that, but then I forgot.)

Anyway, I apparently need help revising this bit to make it British-compliant. Any suggestions?

"It's just," Peter went on, fiddling with his bottle, "maybe there's a reason Remus hasn't been coming over here lately. Maybe he's gotten involved in something that—something that means he can't look us in the eye any more."

The intended meaning is something like he has become involved -- only I imagine I'd want something more colloquial than that for a butterbeer-imbibing Peter to say.

Many thanks!

Comments

[godricgal.livejournal.com]

Welcome. :)

I'd always be happy to read through for a quick Britpick, if ever you're in need -- just shout.

I think 'gotten' is the Americanism that we come across the most, or at least, it's one that most people intantly picks up on, as it looks odd for you to just say 'he's got', 'gotten' seems almost lazy to me -- even if it is a longer word!

I would say, 'different to', as well, in most cases. ;)

[shimotsuki.livejournal.com]

I'd always be happy to read through for a quick Britpick, if ever you're in need -- just shout.

Thank you for the kind offer! I'll try not to abuse it, but I may have a question for you from time to time.

I would say, 'different to', as well, in most cases. ;)

I suspected that might be the case. ;)