correct the sentences

hanuman_2000 · Post by **hanuman_2000** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 5:29 am

sir,

He wants watching TV the whole day.

He wants to watch TV the whole day.

Why can not "watching" be used with wants. please comment.

thanks.

Alan · Post by **Alan** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 5:33 am

A present participle follows 'want' only when 'want' is being used as a rather informal equivalent of 'need', as in

This shirt wants washing.

meaning 'this shirt NEEDS TO BE WASHED'.

Otherwise, a verbal following 'want' must be an infinitive.