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Is the construction We judge excellent the work done by the contractors correct, or should one write instead We judge the work done by the contractors [to be] excellent?

I suppose that the same construction applies to verbs with similar meaning, such as regard or consider. Or are there differences?

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    "Regarded" would require "as" ("We regarded as excellent").
    – MorganFR
    Commented Oct 18, 2016 at 12:51

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I would recommend the latter form, "We judge the work done by the contractors to be excellent." The preference is to put the verb as close as possible, within reason, to the object of the action. In this case, we're judging the work, which favors the latter construct.

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  • I see, thanks. Is this only a preference, or is the first form outright wrong?
    – Federico Poloni
    Commented Oct 18, 2016 at 17:48
  • I wouldn't say it is wrong on its face, but it does make for a very awkward construct.
    – David W
    Commented Oct 18, 2016 at 17:50

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