The dishes need washed. vs The dishes need to be washed.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different English dialects. "The dishes need washed." is commonly used in some dialects, particularly in the Midland region of the United States, while "The dishes need to be washed." is more widely accepted in standard English.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1087 views

This phrase is correct in some English dialects, particularly in the Midland region of the United States.

"The dishes need washed."

This phrase is commonly used in informal speech in certain dialects to indicate that the dishes require washing.

Examples:

The car needs washed.
The clothes need washed.
The windows need washed.

Show examples from the web [+]

-the glass was not yet washed.
No control programming or brain washed.
-All hands better be washed.
Long ago I got my feet washed.
The towels have just been washed.
Let me at least put the dishes in the basin.
The dishes are washed at 150 degrees Fahrenheit with antibacterial dergent...
Elena and bonnie are finishing up the dishes.
You could at least have done the dishes.
And I don't even have to wash the dishes.
But she also wants me to do the dishes.
Now, some of the dishes tonight are new.
When you're finished, I'm to take the dishes back.
And leave the dishes for the girl.
The apple, the dishes, silverware.
The dishes were getting kind of out of control.
John still doesn't do the dishes.
- I'll start the dishes.
Okay, I'll do the dishes, you watch TV.
I went out to the kitchen and wash the dishes.

Alternatives:

The dishes need to be washed.
The dishes need washing.
The dishes need a wash.
The dishes need cleaning.
The dishes need to be cleaned.

This phrase is the standard form in English and is widely accepted.

"The dishes need to be washed. "

This phrase is the standard way to express that the dishes require washing in formal or written English.

Examples:

The car needs to be washed.
The clothes need to be washed.
The windows need to be washed.

Show examples from the web [+]

I think they need to be washed.
It doesn't need to be washed.
It doesn't need to be washed.
Your shirts need to be washed.
Some clothing needs to be washed.
There's some dishes that need to be washed, Mr. magic hands.
I found this marvelous CD when I took the car to be washed.
I want this unit sent to headquarters to be washed.
I want this unit sent to headquarters to be washed.
There's a lot of dishes to be washed.
The maid probably took it to be washed.
I want this unit sent to headquarters to be washed.
Actually, here's a few rags to be washed.
But see, they're only putting 300 linens to be washed.
But see, they're only putting 300 linens to be washed.
Hands need to be washed first.
With the plates used in Migros restaurants it was found that traditional china is much more environmentally-friendly than a disposable plate from renewable materials, even though it has to be washed.
The cylinder surface is not to be washed or wiped between stages.
Manufacturer/supplier to specify parts of the body to be washed after handling.
Maybe this town was meant to be washed away.

Alternatives:

The dishes need washed.
The dishes need washing.
The dishes need a wash.
The dishes need cleaning.
The dishes need to be cleaned.

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The dishes need washed. vs The dishes need to be washed.