Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[klafterreith]

(About family policy): Politicans should start by valuing today`s families rather than judging/judge them.



I know that `by......� requires the -ing form but is the structure `... judge them� also possible in that sentence? (The meaning of the sentence would be slightly different)

Please comment.

[Suzanne]

If you are going to start an an -ing phrase, it makes a better sentence to say "rather than judging them."

If you use "judge" then more needs to be said:
Example:
Politicans should start by valuing today's families rather than judge them by their religious beliefs.

Or, try this:
Politicians should value today's families rather than judge them by their religious beliefs.

[klafterreith]

Would you say that



They should start by valuing today`s families rather than judge them


is totally wrong or still acceptable?

Please comment

[Suzanne]

"They should start by valuing today`s families rather than judge them" is quite acceptable!

Good job!