PASSIVE SENSE

Gerund in Passive Sense

We often use a gerund after the verbs need, require and want.
In this case, the gerund has a passive sense.
Look at these example sentences. Notice that this construction can be in any tense:

• I have three shirts that need washing. (need to be washed)
• I sent it back to the shop because it needed fixing. (needed to be fixed)
• This letter requires signing. (needs to be signed)
• The contract will require signing tomorrow. (will need to be signed)
• The house wants repainting. (needs to be repainted)
• Your hair's wanted cutting for weeks. (has needed to be cut)

Note that the expression "something wants doing" is used more in British English than in American English.