"... need XXX-ing" vs. "... need to be XXX-ed"

Question

What is the difference between these two expressions?

Your hair needs brushing.

Your hair needs to be brushed.

Hugely related: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/24163/using-ed-vs-ing-in-the-needs-washed-construction — Andrew Leach, Oct 09 '13 at 16:18

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Oct 09 '13 at 16:05

There is no difference. Just two different ways to say the same thing.

Sorry about that last one. I am just joking. Your hair is fine. :-)

score -1 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 09 '13 at 16:04

-1

No difference, it is purely stylistic.

A very small hint that in 1. you have to do it yourself, and in 2. you will have it done

answered Oct 09 '13 at 16:04

ex-user2728

3

I beg to differ. Either one could be done by yourself or another. – Cyberherbalist Oct 09 '13 at 16:06
I am British, and I just mentioned the possibility of a very tiny difference, as the common use in our tiny and remote islands. – ex-user2728 Oct 09 '13 at 18:40
Not so tiny, and not so remote! I lived there for a few years, once upon a time, and I found I could not see the sea from Cheltenham! Even from Cleeve Hill! BTW, I did not downvote you. – Cyberherbalist Oct 09 '13 at 19:04
Being British does not make one make that distinction. – Matt E. Эллен Oct 10 '13 at 09:30

2 Answers2