Pattern: need-verb-ing
Structure Overview
Formula: need + Verb-ing
Core Meaning: A specialized pattern where an active gerund has a passive meaning. It indicates that the subject (usually an inanimate object) requires some action to be performed on it (e.g., "needs fixing" = "needs to be fixed").
💬 Contextual Examples
- The living room walls need painting before the guests arrive.
- My shoes are incredibly dirty and need washing.
🎴 Interactive Web Practice (Click to Reveal)
Practice 1: This essay is full of errors and needs ______ before you submit it.
Answer:
rewriting
Practice 2: The grass in the backyard is very tall and needs ______.
Answer:
cutting
🔗 Knowledge Base Connections
- 🔑 Parent Keyword: need