Spanish/Verb Phrases
Hay que y tener que[edit | edit source]
Tener que + infinitive[edit | edit source]
Tener que + infinitive—To have to do something
Simply conjugate tener, add que, and then add the infinitive of what has to be done.
Ejemplos (Examples)[edit | edit source]
- Tengo que limpiar mi dormitorio.
I have to clean my room.
- Maribel tiene que salir para escuela.
Maribel has to leave for school.
Hay que + infinitive[edit | edit source]
Hay que+ infinitive--It is obligatory to do something This verb phrase is similar to the above. However, you don't have to conjugate hay.
Ejemplos[edit | edit source]
- Hay que estudiar en la clase de ingles.
It is necessary to study in English class. - Hay que practicar
Contrasting Uses of "Hay que" and "Tengo que"[edit | edit source]
"Hay que" is used for impersonal expressions whereas "Tener que" always has a subject.
- Juan tiene una prueba de ingles el viernes. Él tiene que estudiar.
Juan has a quiz in English on Friday. He has to study.
- No es fácil aprender el ingles. Hay que estudiar mucho.
It isn't easy to learn English. It is necessary to study a lot.
Ir a + infinitive[edit | edit source]
Ir a + infinitive--To be going to do something
This verb phrase is used to say that someone is going to do something in the future. It is often used as an alternative to the future tense.
Ejemplos[edit | edit source]
- Voy a viajar en México.
I am going to Vacation in Mexico OR I will vacation in Mexico. (same thing) - Vamos a estudiar por el examen en ingles.
We are going to study for our English exam.
Acabar de + infinitive[edit | edit source]
Acabar + de + infinitive = to have just (verb in preterite)
'Just' here means very recently in the past.
Por ejemplo:
Acabo de ir al cine. - I have just gone to the movies.
Acabas de hacer la tarea - You just have done the homework.
Tener ganas de[edit | edit source]
Tener: to have
Tener ganas de: to want to, to feel like
Tengo ganas de ir al parque. >> I feel like going to the park.
¿Tienes ganas de bailar? >> Do you feel like dancing?
Tener + ganas de + infinitivo >> to feel like (doing) ...
Conjugate tener, add "ganas de" and the infinitive of the action verb.
Note: The verb "ganar" means to earn, to win, or to gain. Joined with the verb "tener" it means to feel like.