Haber, tener y el pretérito

Question

¿Qué tal? Estoy experimentando con haber, tener y el pretérito. Si pueda, corrige mi español, por favor:

I have to have this stick shortened = Tengo que tener este palo cortado.

I want to have this stick shortened = Quiero tener este palo cortado.

I need this stick shortened = Necesito este palo cortado.

I'm having this stick shortened = Estoy teniendo este palo cortado.

This stick has to be shortened = Este palo tiene que estar cortado.

I want this stick shortened = Quiero este palo cortado.

This stick needs shortening = Este palo necesita estar cortado.

I have had this stick shortened = He estado tener este palo cortado.

I have shortened this stick = He cortado este palo.

¡Mil gracias!

Answer 1

You are using the wrong verb: it should be "acortar".

Many of the structures you've used in English do not translate literally into Spanish (e.g. to have something + past participle), so many of them will make no sense or sound weird. I suggest you start with some Spanish pattern and practice them, instead of translating English patterns word by word. It doesn't work, you are speaking English using Spanish words, not speaking Spanish.

Also, you can't use "I'm having" in Spanish to talk about the future; only if it is happening right now, and verbs of state do not accept the progressive (even in English).

I'll do as you suggest. Thanks! - NickDan, May 18, 2011

Answer 2

Well I think they should all be acortado.

¡Ay, que bobo! ¡Gracias! - NickDan, May 18, 2011