How to Use "Tener que + infinitive"

Explanation

     "Tener que" is a phrase used to indicate that there is something that has to be done. This is a high frequency phrase that is worth mastering. One thing to keep in mind is that the verb "tener" (to have) is going to change according to the subject, or the person who "has to do" something. The action that needs to be done will always remain in the infinitive (a verb ending in -ar, -er, or -ir).

Examples

(Yo)Tengo que ir al trabajo                 
¿(Tú)Tienes que ir a la oficina?
(Él/Ella) Tiene que trabajar mañana
(Nosotros) Tenemos que estudiar
(Vosotros*) Tenéis que descansar
(Uds./Ellos/Ellas) Tienen que     
          practicar
I have to go to work
Do you have to go to the office
He/She has to work tomorrow
We have to study
You (all) have to rest
You (all)/They have to practice
*vosotros is a form used in Spain.

Some Basic Questions

  • ¿Qué tienes que hacer hoy? (What do you have to do today?)
  • ¿Qué tienes que hacer mañana? (What do you have to do tomorrow?)
  • ¿Qué tienes que hacer pasado mañana? (What do you have to do the day after tomorrow?)
  • ¿Qué tienes que hacer el fin de semana? (What do you have to do on the weekend?

Audio

First, do the activity on the right-hand side. Then, listen to this audio clip to check your answers. Finally, play it again and repeat after me to practice your pronunciation.

Grammar Practice