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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Eliminating "to be" in an infinitive following the verb needs

It is quite common in the area where I live to hear the following: "My car needs washed" instead of "My car needs to be washed." Is this acceptable?
  

Top answer

I find "my car needs washing" to be acceptable, but not "washed'. "To be washed" is the best choice, for my money.

— Philip

  • I find "my car needs washing" to be acceptable, but not "washed'.
  • "To be washed" is the best choice, for my money.
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2 Answers
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I find "my car needs washing" to be acceptable, but not "washed'. "To be washed" is the best choice, for my money.
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AnonymousIt is quite common in the area where I live to hear the following: "My car needs washed"
Yes. It's a regional pattern.
AnonymousIs this acceptable?
Not to me. No.

CJ
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