Tener que e Ir a: Two Essential Structures

Part of Key irregular verbs: ser, estar, tener, ir · Section 4 of 4

IntroductionUnit: Core Verbs — Present TenseGCSE

This introduction covers Tener que e Ir a: Two Essential Structures within Key irregular verbs: ser, estar, tener, ir for GCSE Spanish. Revise Key irregular verbs: ser, estar, tener, ir in Core Verbs — Present Tense for GCSE Spanish with 13 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 4 of 4 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

🔧 Tener que e Ir a: Two Essential Structures

Once you know tener and ir, you can unlock two of the most useful structures in GCSE Spanish — expressing obligation and talking about the near future. Both appear on every paper.

tener que + infinitivo — obligation (have to / must)

  • Tengo que estudiar. — I have to study.
  • ¿Tienes que trabajar mañana? — Do you have to work tomorrow?
  • Tenemos que hacer los deberes. — We have to do the homework.

The formula is fixed: tener (conjugated) + que + infinitive. The infinitive never changes.

ir a + infinitivo — near future (going to)

  • Voy a visitar España. — I'm going to visit Spain.
  • Va a llover mañana. — It's going to rain tomorrow.
  • Vamos a comer juntos. — We're going to eat together.

The formula is fixed: ir a (conjugated) + infinitive. This is your go-to structure for expressing future plans in speaking and writing tasks — examiners reward it as a tense reference.

Practice questions for Key irregular verbs: ser, estar, tener, ir

  • A. so
  • B. soy
  • C. ser
  • D. soe
1 mark1

Quick recall flashcards

Está en casa.
He/she is at home.
¿Cómo estás?
How are you?

13 questions on Key irregular verbs: ser, estar, tener, ir — practise free

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