Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[secjill]

Hi teachers

Hope to get some advice about how to express my intentions in a simple and natural way.
suppose i'm in a clothes store, there is a pair of pants which are too large for my waist, how can i ask the shop owner to make them smaller.
here are two sentences in my mind, are they appropriate?
1. I want the waistline smaller.
2. they needs altering because they're too large for my waist.

thank you!

[cgage2]

Both are correct except you say need, not needs.

[secjill]

thank you, cgage2