Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

This child wants plenty of sleep.
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What does the above sentence mean?

Which is true?
(1) This child said, "I want plenty of sleep." (this is because he is tired.)
(2) This child's parents think that he needs plenty of sleep because he is sick.
(3) The nurses think that he needs plenty of sleep because he is sick.

Thank you in advance.

[CP]

To want means both to desire and to need. When something is wanting, that means it is lacking. When someone wants sleep, it can mean either that the person desires sleep or needs it.

Here, I think it means needs. Some caregiver (parent, nurse, teacher) thinks the child needs a lot of sleep.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[learner12]

Dear CP:

Thank you so much for your excellent explanations.

Have a nice day!!