Forgive me

Question

Please forgive me. I am having difficulty writing the sentences.
It should be:
But I don't understand the use of 'que' in the following:
Tengo algo que contarte
When 'para' is used in the other two examples
Hope I did not confuse you too much.

Answer

Hola Ricky
Don't worry. If you put "algo" at the end of the sentence..."Tengo que contarte algo", you can see that "que" is linked to the verb "Tener" and it is expressing obligation "Tener que..." (To have to..[do something]). This is the function of "que" in this sentence. Sometimes we change the order as you can see in "Tengo algo que contarte".
Here are other similar sentences:
"Tengo cosas que hacer"/ "Tengo que hacer cosas" (I have things to do/I have to do things)
"Tenemos invitados que atender/ Tenemos que atender a los invitados" (We have guests to attend to"/ We have to look after our guests").
I hope it is a bit clearer now.
Inma

Answer

Actually, Ricky, there is another possible explanation for this sentence "Tengo algo que contarte". This sentence could also be said this way: "Tengo algo que [quiero/me gustaría] contarte" = I have something [that I want/would like] to tell you.
That "que" would be a relative pronoun referring to "algo".
It would also work with the other similar sentences mentioned before:
"Tengo cosas que hacer" = I have things [that I need] to do.
"Tenemos invitados que atender" = We have guests [who need] to be looked after.
Inma

Answer

Gracias, Inma!
Very helpful
Ricky

Answer

Hi, is it because the rule might be : if the meaning of 'to' is 'in order to' - use para. But if not use que. Look at the verb. I think that this might work but let's get the expert to opine.