I got bit by a dog.

[zaffy]

'I got bit by a dog.' vs. 'I got bitten by a dog.'

Quite a few times I came across 'got bit', which I believe is incorrect according to grammar rules. The past participle needed in the passive voice is 'bitten', even in AE. Do you find it acceptable?

 

[S1m0n]

Technically incorrect but common. ~en past participles are slowly dying out in many English words.

 

[Uncle Jack]

It is common to use "bit" as the past participle of "bite" in conversation, but you should not use it in formal writing.

 

[Loob]

It is common to use "bit" as the past participle of "bite" in conversation, but you should not use it in formal writing.

I'd advise you not to use "bit" for "bitten" in conversation either: it's still non-standard English.

 

[PaulQ]

From correct to non-standard, in order:

1. 'I was bitten by a dog.'
2. 'I got bitten by a dog.'
3. 'I was bit by a dog.'
4. 'I got bit by a dog.'

 

[kentix]

I wouldn't say it either.

"A dog bit me" would be fine.

 

[zaffy]

And would it make sense to say: 'I had my arm bitten by a dog' ?

 

[Hermione Golightly]

Yes. It makes perfect sense and is correct but not very natural perhaps. I'd simply say ''A dog bit my arm''.

 

[PaulQ]

'I had my arm bitten by a dog'

That sounds like a causative to me:
A: "I wanted a day off work, so I had my arm bitten by a dog."

 

[zaffy]

Yeah, it is a causative have, but it is also used for bad experiences, isn't it? Like in:
-I had my wallet stolen.
-I had my roof blown last night.

 

[PaulQ]

Yeah, it is a causative have

Well... depending upon the context, it could be.

 

[kentix]

but it is also used for bad experiences, isn't it?

Yes, it is, but for whatever reason, that example doesn't sound natural.