当这三个动词表示“需要、要求”时，其后接不定式和动名词均可，且意思基本相同，只是所用语态不同:接动名词时要用主动式表示被动含义，而接不定式时则要用被动形式表示被动含义。如:
1. The coffee is very cold, it needs heating.
=The coffee is very cold, it needs to be heated.
咖啡很冷，咖啡需要热一下。
These sentences need explaining
=These sentences need to be explained
这些句子需要加以解释。
“ My watch has been losing time for the past week. "
“It probably needs cleaning."
=“ My watch has been losing time for the past week. "
“It probably needs to be cleaned. "
我的手表上周以来就走慢了。
那表需要清洗了。
2.
Your hair wants cutting.
= Your hair wants to be cut.
你的头发需要剪了。
Your coat wants brushing.
= Your coat wants to be brushed.
你的外衣需要刷了。
The machine wants repairing.
= The machine wants to be repaired
这机器需要修理。
The door wants painting.
= The door wants to be painted.
这门需要涂油漆。
3.
The machine requires cleaning regularly.
= The machine requires to be cleaned regularly.
机器需要定期清洁。
Like any other type of equipment it requires regular servicing.
= Like any other type of equipment it requires to be regular serviced.
它和其他类型的设备一样，也需要定期检修。
Lentils do not require soaking before cooking
=Lentils do not require to be soaked before cooking
小扁豆在烹饪前不必浸泡。
The flowers require watering.
The flowers require to be watered.
这些花需要浇水了。
The building requires repairing.
The building requires to be repaired.（更明确地指出了维修是由外部人员完成的。）
筑物需要维修。
These babies require careful looking after.
These babies require/ o be carefully looked after.
这些婴儿需要细心照看。