I grew up in western Pennsylvania (US), where constructs like "the car needs washed" are common. I was taught (yes, in schools in that region) that correct formal grammar requires "to be" in this case: 'the care needs to be washed", and this is what I understand to be normative. (It's certainly what I say and write, despite growing up in a region averse to "to be".)

What is the origin of this construct? I've heard it described as "Appalachian English", which is consistent with central and western Pennsylvania. I've heard that this form also arises in Scottish English and western Pennsylvania had significant Scottish immigration in the late 19th century. I've also heard claims of German influence, which is consistent with central Pennsylvania immigration history. Multiple origins and parallel development are, of course, possible.

What is known about the history of this construct in western and central Pennsylvania? Where did it come from and when, and how far did it spread? "Appalachian" covers a larger area than just parts of Pennsylvania, after all.

posted over 3 years ago

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Monica Cellio‭ staff

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