need + passive voice

[jinshilt]

My coworkers and I were having a discussion and they noticed I often use the following unfamiliar construction: My car needs fixed. ; this room needs cleaned. They insist that I cannot omit the "to be" from these sentences. However, I have grown up speaking this way. I've been an ESL teacher for several years and no one has ever corrected me on this before, though it is my usual manner of speaking.

I am from the eastern part of the states, and now work in the west. My coworkers are all from the west, so we thought perhaps it is due to regional differences. Has anyone else encountered this situation?

Thank you,

[Casiopea]

According to yourdictionary.com,

When need is used as the main verb, it can be followed by a present participle, as in The car needs washing, or by to be plus a past participle, as in The car needs to be washed. However, in some areas of the United States, especially western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, many speakers omit to be and use just the past participle form, as in The car needs washed. This use of need with past participles is slightly more common in the British Isles, being particularly prevalent in Scotland.

[jinshilt]

Thank you for your answer. I am from eastern Ohio, as is my mother, while my father is from western Pennsylvania.

[Casiopea]

You're most welcome.