judges
judges em 30 segundos
- Judges are officials who preside over legal trials and make authoritative decisions in a court of law to ensure justice is served fairly.
- In competitions and talent shows, judges are experts who evaluate performances and decide the winners based on specific scoring criteria.
- As a verb, 'judges' is the third-person singular form used to describe the act of forming an opinion or assessing the value of something.
- The word is essential in legal, athletic, social, and academic contexts, representing authority, evaluation, and the process of reaching a conclusion.
The word judges is a multifaceted term that functions both as a plural noun and as the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to judge'. In its primary noun form, it refers to high-ranking public officials who are appointed or elected to preside over legal proceedings in a court of law. These individuals are the arbiters of justice, responsible for interpreting statutes, ruling on the admissibility of evidence, and ensuring that the trial process remains fair and impartial. Beyond the legal sphere, 'judges' also describes individuals who evaluate performances or entries in competitions, such as a panel of experts at a film festival, a gymnastics meet, or a culinary contest. In these contexts, the role shifts from legal interpretation to subjective or objective evaluation based on specific criteria. When used as a verb, 'judges' describes the action of forming an opinion, making an assessment, or reaching a conclusion about someone or something. For instance, a critic judges a new novel, or a person judges the weather before deciding what to wear. The term carries a weight of authority and finality, suggesting that the person performing the action has the expertise or the right to make a definitive statement.
- Legal Authority
- In a courtroom, the judges are the ultimate authority figures who maintain order and apply the law to the facts presented by lawyers. They are often addressed as 'Your Honor' to signify respect for their position.
The panel of judges deliberated for hours before announcing the winner of the international piano competition.
Historically, the concept of judges dates back to ancient civilizations where tribal elders or appointed officials resolved disputes to maintain social harmony. In the biblical sense, the 'Book of Judges' refers to leaders who ruled Israel before the establishment of the monarchy. This historical depth gives the word a sense of gravity. In modern usage, we see 'judges' in various media, from the stern figures on 'Law & Order' to the charismatic personalities on 'American Idol'. The transition from the bench to the television screen has slightly broadened the public's perception of the word, sometimes leaning more toward 'critic' than 'legal expert'. However, the core essence remains the same: the act of evaluation and the power of decision-making. Whether it is a Supreme Court justice deciding on constitutional law or a local gardener judging the size of pumpkins at a county fair, the fundamental responsibility is to apply a standard to a specific case and deliver a verdict.
- Social Judgment
- As a verb, 'judges' often appears in social contexts, sometimes with a negative connotation, such as when someone 'judges' another person's lifestyle choices without empathy.
He often judges people by their appearance, which is a habit he is trying to break.
In academic and professional writing, 'judges' is frequently used to discuss the judiciary branch of government. It is essential to distinguish between different types of judges, such as magistrate judges, circuit judges, and justices. Each has a specific jurisdiction and level of authority. In the context of the verb, 'judges' is often replaced by more precise terms like 'evaluates', 'assesses', or 'appraises' in formal reports. However, 'judges' remains the most common and accessible term for general communication. It captures the essence of human discernment—the ability to look at a set of facts or a performance and determine its value or legality. This process is central to human society, as it provides a mechanism for resolving conflicts and recognizing excellence. Without judges, there would be no formal way to uphold the rule of law or to celebrate the highest achievements in art and sport.
The high court judges whether new laws are consistent with the national constitution.
- Sports Context
- In sports like diving or figure skating, the judges provide scores based on technical difficulty and artistic execution.
Olympic judges must remain objective despite the immense pressure of the global stage.
Using 'judges' correctly requires an understanding of its dual role as a noun and a verb. When used as a noun, it typically follows an article like 'the' or 'some', or a possessive pronoun like 'our'. It functions as the subject or object of a sentence. For example, 'The judges entered the room' (subject) or 'We are waiting for the judges' (object). As a plural noun, it always takes a plural verb: 'The judges are ready.' In contrast, when 'judges' acts as a verb, it is the third-person singular form, meaning it follows a singular subject like 'he', 'she', 'it', or a specific name. For example, 'She judges the competition every year.' Here, the verb must agree with the singular subject. Misidentifying the part of speech can lead to grammatical errors, particularly in subject-verb agreement. It is also important to note that 'judges' as a verb often takes a direct object—the thing or person being evaluated—as in 'He judges the quality of the fabric.'
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Incorrect: The judges judges the case. Correct: The judge judges the case (singular) or The judges judge the case (plural).
A wise person never judges a book by its cover, but rather by the depth of its content.
In complex sentences, 'judges' can appear in subordinate clauses or as part of a compound predicate. For instance, 'While the panel of judges reviews the evidence, the audience must remain silent.' In this case, 'judges' is part of a collective noun phrase 'panel of judges', which can be treated as singular or plural depending on the dialect (American English often treats collective nouns as singular, while British English may treat them as plural). Another example is 'The chef tastes the soup and judges whether it needs more salt.' Here, 'judges' is the second action in a sequence performed by the chef. Understanding these structures allows for more sophisticated writing. Furthermore, 'judges' can be modified by adverbs to describe how the evaluation is being done. Common modifiers include 'fairly', 'harshly', 'impartially', or 'quickly'. For example, 'The committee judges the applications fairly based on merit.'
- Collective Nouns
- When referring to a group, you can say 'The panel of judges' or simply 'The judges'. Both are common in professional reports.
The Supreme Court judges the constitutionality of the laws passed by Congress.
When writing about legal systems, 'judges' is often paired with specific verbs like 'preside', 'rule', 'sentence', or 'deliberate'. For example, 'The judges preside over the most significant cases in the country.' In more informal settings, 'judges' might be used to describe social behavior. 'My mother always judges my choice of friends' is a common way to express a feeling of being criticized. In this context, the word often implies a lack of approval. It is helpful to recognize these different registers. In a legal context, 'judges' is neutral and descriptive. In a social context, it can be emotionally charged. To improve your use of the word, try to identify the specific type of judging taking place. Is it a formal evaluation, a legal ruling, or a personal opinion? Choosing the right context will ensure your meaning is clear to your audience.
Several judges from the district court were promoted to the appellate level this year.
- Common Collocations
- Commonly used with: 'presiding judges', 'federal judges', 'panel of judges', 'judges fairly'.
The public often judges celebrities more harshly than they judge ordinary citizens.
The word 'judges' is ubiquitous in modern life, appearing in news broadcasts, entertainment, and daily conversations. One of the most common places to hear it is in the news, particularly when high-profile legal cases are being discussed. News anchors might report on how 'federal judges' have blocked a specific executive order or how 'Supreme Court judges' (though often called Justices in the US) are hearing arguments on a landmark case. In these instances, the word carries the weight of national importance and the rule of law. You will also hear it frequently in the context of politics, where the appointment of 'judges' is a major point of debate between different political parties. The term is synonymous with the judicial branch's power to check the other branches of government. Understanding this usage is crucial for anyone following current events or studying political science.
- News Media
- 'The judges' decision today could change the landscape of environmental law for decades to come.'
Local judges are often elected during the mid-term cycles in many states.
Another major arena for the word 'judges' is reality television and talent competitions. Shows like 'The X Factor', 'MasterChef', and 'Dancing with the Stars' revolve around a panel of 'judges' who provide feedback and decide the fate of the contestants. In this context, the word is associated with expertise, critique, and sometimes controversy. Fans of these shows often discuss whether the 'judges' were too mean or if they made the right choice. This has made the word 'judges' a staple of pop culture conversations. You might hear someone say, 'I can't believe the judges gave her a low score!' This usage is much more informal than the legal context but equally prevalent. It highlights the role of 'judges' as evaluators of talent and skill in the public eye.
- Reality TV
- 'The judges on the talent show are known for their blunt and honest critiques of the performers.'
The judges looked impressed as the young violinist finished her complex solo.
In everyday social interactions, the verb form 'judges' is frequently heard when people talk about social pressure or personal opinions. Phrases like 'Don't worry about what she thinks; she judges everyone' or 'He judges people based on their music taste' are common. This usage reflects a psychological reality where people feel evaluated by others. It is often used to describe a personality trait—someone who is 'judgmental'. Hearing the word in this context usually signals a discussion about social dynamics, empathy, or prejudice. Additionally, in the world of sports, particularly those that are not purely time-based or goal-based, 'judges' are the ones who determine the outcome. In gymnastics, figure skating, or surfing, the 'judges' are the final authority. You will hear commentators analyze the 'judges' scores' and discuss the nuances of the scoring system. This variety of contexts—legal, entertainment, social, and athletic—makes 'judges' a highly versatile and essential word in the English vocabulary.
The fashion judges at the gala were looking for creativity and sustainability in the designs.
- Sports Commentary
- 'The judges awarded a perfect ten for that nearly flawless triple axel.'
Everyone judges success differently; for some, it is money, while for others, it is happiness.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'judges' is confusing its noun and verb forms, particularly regarding subject-verb agreement. Because 'judges' ends in 's', it looks like a plural noun, which it is. However, it is also the singular verb form for 'he/she/it'. This leads to errors like 'The judges judges the case' or 'He judge the competition'. To avoid this, remember that if the subject is plural (The judges), the verb should be 'judge'. If the subject is singular (The judge), the verb should be 'judges'. Another common error is using 'judges' when 'justices' is the more appropriate term. While all justices are judges, not all judges are justices. In the United States, members of the Supreme Court are specifically called 'Justices'. Using 'judges' for them is technically correct but less precise and can sound slightly unprofessional in a legal context.
- Subject-Verb Confusion
- Mistake: 'They judges the art.' Correction: 'They judge the art.' Mistake: 'She judge the art.' Correction: 'She judges the art.'
Many students forget that judges can be a verb, leading to confusion in complex sentences.
Another mistake involves the preposition used after the verb 'judges'. People often say 'judges about' or 'judges on', but the most common and direct way is to use 'judges' followed by the direct object: 'He judges the wine.' If you want to specify the criteria, you use 'by' or 'on the basis of': 'He judges the wine by its aroma.' Using 'about' is usually incorrect. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'judges' with 'referees' or 'umpires'. In sports, 'judges' are used for events that require subjective scoring (like diving), while 'referees' or 'umpires' are used for games with objective rules and physical play (like soccer or baseball). Calling a soccer referee a 'judge' would be considered a mistake by sports fans. Similarly, in a business context, using 'judges' instead of 'evaluators' or 'assessors' might sound a bit too dramatic or legalistic.
- Preposition Usage
- Correct: 'She judges the performance based on technique.' Incorrect: 'She judges about the performance.'
The distinction between judges and referees is important in the context of the Olympic Games.
Finally, there is a nuance in the social use of 'judges'. While 'to judge' is a neutral verb, saying 'You are judging me' almost always implies a negative, critical evaluation. Learners might use it thinking they are just saying 'You are forming an opinion about me', but the listener will likely take it as a defense against criticism. It is better to use 'evaluating' or 'considering' if you want to remain neutral. Also, spelling can be a minor issue; some might try to add an 'e' before the 's' in the verb form (judgees), which is incorrect. The plural noun and the third-person singular verb are spelled exactly the same: J-U-D-G-E-S. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you use the word accurately and with the appropriate tone in both written and spoken English.
It is a common error to think that judges only work in criminal courts; they also handle civil disputes.
- Spelling & Pronunciation
- The word has two syllables: judge-es. The 'dg' makes a /dʒ/ sound, and the 'es' makes an /ɪz/ sound.
The teacher judges the students' progress throughout the entire semester, not just on the final exam.
Depending on the context, there are several words that can be used instead of 'judges' to provide more precision or a different tone. In a legal setting, 'justices' is the term for judges in the highest courts, such as the Supreme Court. 'Magistrates' refers to judges who handle minor legal matters or preliminary hearings. 'Jurists' is a more academic term for legal experts, including judges and legal scholars. Using these terms correctly can demonstrate a deeper understanding of the legal system. If you are talking about the act of evaluating, 'assessors' or 'evaluators' are often used in professional or educational contexts. For example, 'The evaluators looked at the project's feasibility.' These words are more neutral and less likely to carry the critical weight that 'judges' sometimes does in social situations.
- Legal Alternatives
- Justices (High Court), Magistrates (Lower Court), Jurists (Legal Experts).
The judges were replaced by a panel of independent evaluators to ensure total objectivity.
In the world of sports and competitions, 'referees' and 'umpires' are the most common alternatives. As mentioned before, 'referees' are used in sports like soccer, basketball, and boxing, where they enforce rules in real-time. 'Umpires' are used in baseball, cricket, and tennis. In a talent show, you might call them 'critics' or 'reviewers' if their role is more about providing feedback than making a final decision. In the arts, 'critics' is the standard term for people who professionally judge films, books, or plays. 'Connoisseurs' is a more specialized term for people who have expert knowledge and can judge the quality of fine things like wine, art, or music. Choosing 'connoisseur' over 'judge' implies a high level of taste and sophistication.
- Competition Alternatives
- Referees (Field Sports), Umpires (Court/Diamond Sports), Critics (Arts/Media).
Art judges often have different opinions than the general public regarding what constitutes a masterpiece.
When using 'judges' as a verb, synonyms like 'appraises', 'estimates', 'rates', or 'weighs' can be useful. 'Appraises' is often used for determining the value of something, like a house or a diamond. 'Estimates' is used for making a rough calculation. 'Rates' is common in the digital age, such as when a user 'rates' an app or a movie. 'Weighs' is a great metaphorical alternative, suggesting a careful consideration of different factors: 'She weighs the pros and cons before she judges the situation.' In social contexts, 'discerns' is a more positive alternative, suggesting the ability to see things clearly and make wise choices without being overly critical. By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can express yourself more precisely and avoid overusing the word 'judges'.
A true leader judges the potential of their team members and helps them grow.
- Verb Alternatives
- Evaluates (General), Appraises (Value), Discerns (Wisdom), Rates (Digital/Scale).
The panel of judges consisted of former champions and industry experts.
How Formal Is It?
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Curiosidade
In the Middle Ages, the role of judges was often combined with religious duties, as the law was seen as being derived from divine authority. The black robes worn by judges today are a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'es' as a simple 's' (/dʒʌdʒs/), which is difficult to say and incorrect.
- Using a soft 'g' sound instead of the hard 'j' sound.
- Adding an extra vowel sound between the 'd' and 'g'.
- Forgetting to voice the final 'z' sound.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'justices'.
Nível de dificuldade
The word is common, but legal contexts can be complex for learners.
Subject-verb agreement between the noun and verb forms is a frequent challenge.
Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'iz' ending is mastered.
Can be confused with 'justice' or 'judgments' in fast speech.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Subject-Verb Agreement
The judges (plural) judge the case. The judge (singular) judges the case.
Possessive Plural
The judges' (plural possessive) decision was final.
Collective Nouns
The panel of judges is (singular) / are (plural) ready.
Transitive Verbs
He judges the competition (requires an object).
Adverb Placement
She judges fairly (adverb follows the verb).
Exemplos por nível
The judges are at the table.
Les juges sont à la table.
Plural noun 'judges' with plural verb 'are'.
Who are the judges for the song contest?
Qui sont les juges pour le concours de chant ?
Question form using 'who' and plural 'judges'.
He judges the big cakes.
Il juge les gros gâteaux.
Third-person singular verb 'judges' with subject 'he'.
The judges say she is the winner.
Les juges disent qu'elle est la gagnante.
Plural noun 'judges' as the subject of the verb 'say'.
She judges the art in school.
Elle juge l'art à l'école.
Verb 'judges' showing a regular action.
The three judges wear black suits.
Les trois juges portent des costumes noirs.
Number 'three' modifying the plural noun 'judges'.
My dad judges the race today.
Mon père juge la course aujourd'hui.
Singular subject 'dad' with verb 'judges'.
The judges give a high score.
Les juges donnent une note élevée.
Plural noun 'judges' with the verb 'give'.
The judges listen to the lawyer's story.
Les juges écoutent l'histoire de l'avocat.
Noun 'judges' in a legal context.
She never judges people by their clothes.
Elle ne juge jamais les gens par leurs vêtements.
Negative sentence using 'never' and 'judges'.
The judges decided to end the game early.
Les juges ont décidé de terminer le jeu tôt.
Past tense 'decided' following the plural noun 'judges'.
A professional chef judges the cooking competition.
Un chef professionnel juge le concours de cuisine.
Singular subject 'chef' with verb 'judges'.
The judges are very strict this year.
Les juges sont très stricts cette année.
Adjective 'strict' describing the noun 'judges'.
He judges the quality of the wood before buying it.
Il juge la qualité du bois avant de l'acheter.
Verb 'judges' followed by a direct object.
How many judges are in the Supreme Court?
Combien de juges y a-t-il à la Cour suprême ?
Question about quantity using 'how many'.
The panel of judges includes famous actors.
Le jury comprend des acteurs célèbres.
Collective noun 'panel of judges' with singular verb 'includes'.
The judges ruled that the evidence was inadmissible.
Les juges ont statué que la preuve était irrecevable.
Legal terminology: 'ruled' and 'inadmissible'.
Society often judges women more harshly than men.
La société juge souvent les femmes plus sévèrement que les hommes.
Abstract subject 'society' with verb 'judges'.
The judges will announce their verdict at noon.
Les juges annonceront leur verdict à midi.
Future tense 'will announce' with noun 'judges'.
She judges the success of her day by how much she learned.
Elle juge le succès de sa journée par ce qu'elle a appris.
Verb 'judges' used for personal evaluation.
The competition judges were impressed by his creativity.
Les juges du concours ont été impressionnés par sa créativité.
Passive voice 'were impressed' with 'judges' as the agent.
A fair person judges based on facts, not rumors.
Une personne juste juge sur la base de faits, pas de rumeurs.
Conditional or general truth statement.
The judges have a lot of experience in international law.
Les juges ont beaucoup d'expérience en droit international.
Present perfect 'have' showing a state of being.
It is difficult when your family judges your life choices.
C'est difficile quand votre famille juge vos choix de vie.
Subordinate clause 'when your family judges...'.
The appellate judges overturned the lower court's decision.
Les juges d'appel ont annulé la décision du tribunal de première instance.
Specific legal term 'appellate judges'.
The algorithm judges which advertisements are most relevant to you.
L'algorithme juge quelles publicités sont les plus pertinentes pour vous.
Modern technical use of the verb 'judges'.
Judges must remain impartial to ensure a fair trial.
Les juges doivent rester impartiaux pour garantir un procès équitable.
Modal verb 'must' expressing necessity.
The public judges the government's performance during the crisis.
Le public juge la performance du gouvernement pendant la crise.
Collective noun 'public' with singular verb 'judges'.
The panel of judges consisted of experts from five different countries.
Le jury était composé d'experts de cinq pays différents.
Phrasal verb 'consisted of' with 'panel of judges'.
He judges the situation to be far more dangerous than it appears.
Il juge la situation beaucoup plus dangereuse qu'elle ne le paraît.
Verb 'judges' followed by an object and an infinitive phrase.
The judges' scores were averaged to determine the final ranking.
Les notes des juges ont été moyennées pour déterminer le classement final.
Possessive plural 'judges''.
She judges that the benefits outweigh the risks in this case.
Elle juge que les avantages l'emportent sur les risques dans ce cas.
Verb 'judges' introducing a 'that' clause.
The judges exercised their judicial discretion in sentencing the defendant.
Les juges ont exercé leur pouvoir discrétionnaire en condamnant le prévenu.
Advanced legal phrase 'judicial discretion'.
History judges those who remain silent in the face of injustice.
L'histoire juge ceux qui restent silencieux face à l'injustice.
Personification of 'History' as the subject.
The committee judges the validity of the scientific claims presented.
Le comité juge la validité des affirmations scientifiques présentées.
Formal academic use of 'judges'.
The judges were criticized for their perceived bias in the ruling.
Les juges ont été critiqués pour leur parti pris perçu dans la décision.
Passive voice with complex noun phrases.
The artist judges her own work more severely than any critic ever could.
L'artiste juge son propre travail plus sévèrement que n'importe quel critique ne le pourrait.
Comparative structure with 'more severely than'.
Constitutional judges play a vital role in protecting civil liberties.
Les juges constitutionnels jouent un rôle vital dans la protection des libertés civiles.
Specific professional designation 'Constitutional judges'.
The way a person judges others often reveals their own insecurities.
La façon dont une personne juge les autres révèle souvent ses propres insécurités.
Complex subject 'The way a person judges others'.
The judges' unanimous decision sent a clear message to the industry.
La décision unanime des juges a envoyé un message clair à l'industrie.
Adjective 'unanimous' modifying 'decision'.
The judges' interpretative framework significantly influenced the legal precedent.
Le cadre interprétatif des juges a considérablement influencé le précédent juridique.
Highly formal academic and legal vocabulary.
One often judges the present through the distorted lens of the past.
On juge souvent le présent à travers le prisme déformant du passé.
Philosophical and metaphorical use of 'judges'.
The high court judges the compatibility of domestic legislation with international treaties.
La haute cour juge la compatibilité de la législation nationale avec les traités internationaux.
Technical legal function of a high court.
The critic judges the film not merely as entertainment, but as a socio-political statement.
Le critique juge le film non seulement comme un divertissement, mais comme une déclaration socio-politique.
Correlative conjunction 'not merely... but as'.
The judges' deliberations were shrouded in secrecy to prevent external influence.
Les délibérations des juges étaient entourées de secret pour empêcher toute influence extérieure.
Passive voice with metaphorical 'shrouded in secrecy'.
How one judges the morality of an action often depends on one's ethical framework.
La façon dont on juge la moralité d'une action dépend souvent de son cadre éthique.
Abstract philosophical inquiry.
The judges' tenure is protected by law to ensure judicial independence.
Le mandat des juges est protégé par la loi pour garantir l'indépendance judiciaire.
Specific legal term 'tenure'.
The literary world judges the novel to be a seminal work of the 21st century.
Le monde littéraire juge le roman comme une œuvre séminale du XXIe siècle.
Verb 'judges' with an object and an infinitive complement.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Don't judge a book by its cover
As far as one judges
The judges' verdict
Judges of character
Sit in judgment
Pass judgment
Reserved for the judges
Judges' chambers
In the eyes of the judges
The bench of judges
Frequentemente confundido com
Justices are a specific type of judge, usually in the highest courts.
Judgments are the decisions; judges are the people who make them.
Referees enforce rules in active sports; judges score performances.
Expressões idiomáticas
"Only God can judge me"
A phrase used to express that one does not care about the opinions or criticisms of other people. It asserts personal autonomy.
I don't care what the neighbors say; only God can judge me.
Informal/Slang"Judge, jury, and executioner"
A person who has complete control over a situation and makes all the decisions, often unfairly or without oversight.
The manager acts as judge, jury, and executioner in this office.
Informal"To be the judge of that"
Used to say that someone else will decide if something is true, good, or successful, rather than the person speaking.
You say you're the best singer? Well, the audience will be the judge of that.
Neutral"A sober as a judge"
Completely sober; not at all drunk. It refers to the expected serious and clear-headed nature of a judge.
He had only one glass of water and was as sober as a judge.
Idiomatic"Let the public be the judge"
To allow the general population to decide on the value or truth of something, often used in politics or marketing.
We have released all the documents; now, let the public be the judge.
Formal/Neutral"Judgment call"
A decision made based on personal opinion or experience because there is no clear rule or fact to follow.
Whether to cancel the event because of the rain was a tough judgment call.
Neutral"To judge by appearances"
To form an opinion based only on what can be seen on the surface. Usually used as a warning.
If you judge by appearances, you might think the house is empty, but it's not.
Neutral"The final judge"
The person or entity that has the ultimate power to make a decision that cannot be changed.
The Supreme Court is the final judge of what the Constitution means.
Formal"To judge someone's intentions"
To try to understand or evaluate why someone is doing something, rather than just what they are doing.
It is hard to judge his intentions when he rarely speaks.
Neutral"A hanging judge"
A judge who is known for giving very harsh sentences, historically including the death penalty.
In the old movies, he was always portrayed as a stern hanging judge.
Informal/HistoricalFácil de confundir
Sounds similar and is related to the same field.
Justice is the concept of fairness or a title for a high-level judge; judges is the general plural noun.
The Justice (person) seeks justice (concept) alongside other judges.
Shared root.
Judicious is an adjective meaning having good judgment; judges is a noun or verb.
The judges made a judicious decision.
Formal synonym.
Adjudicate is a more formal verb specifically for legal or official disputes.
The court will adjudicate the matter that the judges are hearing.
Similar role in arts.
A critic reviews and analyzes; a judge usually makes a final decision in a competition.
The critic wrote a review, but the judges decided who won the prize.
Sports official.
Umpires are specific to sports like baseball; judges are for scored sports like diving.
The umpire called a strike, while the diving judges gave an eight.
Padrões de frases
The judges are [adjective].
The judges are happy.
He judges the [noun].
He judges the music.
The judges decided that [clause].
The judges decided that he was innocent.
A panel of judges [verb] the [noun].
A panel of judges evaluates the entries.
The way she judges [noun] is [adjective].
The way she judges art is very traditional.
It is through [noun] that the court judges [noun].
It is through this lens that the court judges the case.
Don't judge [noun] by [noun].
Don't judge a person by their money.
The judges' [noun] was [adjective].
The judges' score was very low.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
Common in legal, media, and social contexts.
-
The judges judges the performance.
→
The judges judge the performance.
When the noun is plural (judges), the verb should be the base form (judge). 'Judges' as a verb is only for singular subjects.
-
He judge the book by its cover.
→
He judges the book by its cover.
A singular subject (he) requires the third-person singular verb form, which is 'judges'.
-
The soccer judges gave a red card.
→
The soccer referee gave a red card.
In soccer, the official is a referee, not a judge. Judges are for scored events.
-
I am waiting for the judge's decision. (referring to many judges)
→
I am waiting for the judges' decision.
For a plural possessive, the apostrophe goes after the 's'. 'Judge's' is for one person; 'judges'' is for many.
-
She judges about my clothes.
→
She judges my clothes.
The verb 'judge' is transitive and usually takes a direct object without the preposition 'about'.
Dicas
Subject-Verb Match
Always check if your subject is singular or plural. 'The judges (plural) judge' but 'The judge (singular) judges'. This is the most common mistake with this word.
Use 'Justices' for High Courts
If you are writing a formal paper about the Supreme Court, using the word 'Justices' instead of 'judges' will make your writing sound much more professional and accurate.
Be Careful with Social Judging
When using 'judges' as a verb for people, remember it often sounds negative. If you want to be neutral, try using 'observes' or 'notices' instead.
The 'IZ' Sound
Practice the two-syllable pronunciation. The second syllable 'iz' is essential. Saying it as one syllable is a common marker of a non-native accent.
Judges vs. Referees
Use 'judges' for sports with scores (gymnastics) and 'referees' or 'umpires' for sports with goals or points (soccer, baseball).
Vary Your Verbs
Instead of always using 'judges', try synonyms like 'evaluates', 'assesses', or 'appraises' to make your writing more interesting and precise.
Addressing a Judge
In a courtroom, you don't call them 'Judge'. You say 'Your Honor'. However, when talking about them later, you say 'The judges'.
Book Cover Idiom
Use the idiom 'Don't judge a book by its cover' in your speaking exams to show a higher level of English (B2/C1).
Context Clues
If you hear 'judges' in a news report, look for words like 'ruling', 'court', or 'verdict' to confirm the legal context.
The Gavel Image
Associate the word 'judges' with the sound of a gavel hitting a desk. This strong mental image helps lock in the meaning of authority and decision.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'Judges' as 'Just Us Deciding Good Examples'. This helps remember the role of evaluation and decision-making.
Associação visual
Imagine a person in a black robe holding a gavel (the hammer) and a person at a talent show holding a '10' card. Both are 'judges'.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to write three sentences: one using 'judges' as a legal noun, one as a sports noun, and one as a social verb. Check your subject-verb agreement!
Origem da palavra
The word 'judge' comes from the Old French 'jugier', which in turn stems from the Latin 'iudicare'. This Latin root is a combination of 'ius' (law) and 'dicare' (to say or pronounce). Therefore, the literal meaning is 'to speak the law'.
Significado original: To pronounce a formal judgment or to act as a legal arbiter.
Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French > English.Contexto cultural
Be careful when using 'judges' as a verb in social situations, as it can sound accusatory or imply that someone is being narrow-minded.
In the US, 'Justices' is the specific title for Supreme Court members, while 'Judges' is used for lower courts. In the UK, high-ranking judges are often called 'Lord' or 'Lady'.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Legal Proceedings
- The judges' ruling
- Presiding judges
- Judges' chambers
- Federal judges
Competitions
- Panel of judges
- Judges' scores
- The judges' decision
- Guest judges
Social Situations
- Stop judging me
- He judges everyone
- Don't judge too quickly
- Judging by the look of it
Academic/Professional
- The committee judges
- Peer-reviewed judges
- Evaluation judges
- Judges the validity
Sports
- Olympic judges
- Scorecard judges
- Technical judges
- Judges' table
Iniciadores de conversa
"What do you think makes someone a good judge in a talent show?"
"Have you ever felt that someone was judging you unfairly?"
"Do you think judges in court should be elected or appointed?"
"If you were one of the judges for a cooking contest, what would you look for?"
"How do you think history judges the leaders of today?"
Temas para diário
Describe a time when you had to be the one who judges a situation or a person. How did you feel?
Write about a famous judge from history or a TV show. What are they known for?
Reflect on the phrase 'Don't judge a book by its cover'. Give an example from your own life.
Do you think it is possible for judges to be completely impartial? Why or why not?
How does society's way of judging people change over time? Give specific examples.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt can be both! As a noun, it's the plural of 'judge' (people in a court). As a verb, it's the third-person singular of 'to judge' (he/she/it evaluates). For example, 'The judges (noun) are here' and 'He judges (verb) the contest.'
In many legal systems, 'Justice' is a higher title. For example, in the US, members of the Supreme Court are called Justices, while those in lower courts are called Judges. All justices are judges, but not all judges are justices.
Usually, no. In soccer, the person who enforces the rules is called a 'referee'. 'Judges' is used for sports where people give scores based on how good a performance was, like gymnastics, figure skating, or diving.
It has two syllables: 'JUDGE-iz'. The 'es' at the end sounds like the word 'is' or 'iz'. Make sure you don't just say 'judgs' with one syllable.
No. In a court or a competition, it is a neutral, professional word. However, in social situations, if you say 'She judges me,' it usually means she is being critical or thinking bad things about you.
It's a famous idiom that means you shouldn't form an opinion about someone or something based only on what they look like. You should get to know them better before deciding if they are good or bad.
A 'panel' is a group of people. So, a 'panel of judges' is a group of three or more people who work together to make a decision, like on a talent show or in a high-level court case.
Yes, in modern English, we often say an AI or an algorithm 'judges' something, like 'The algorithm judges which emails are spam.' This means the computer is evaluating the data.
The plural is 'judges'. For example: 'One judge, two judges, three judges.'
You can say, 'The judges listened to the evidence before making a decision.' In this case, 'judges' is a plural noun acting as the subject of the sentence.
Teste-se 180 perguntas
Write a sentence using 'judges' as a plural noun in a courtroom.
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Write a sentence using 'judges' as a verb with the subject 'She'.
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Explain the meaning of 'Don't judge a book by its cover' in your own words.
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Describe the role of judges in a talent show.
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Compare the role of a judge in a court to a judge in a sports competition.
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Write a short story (3-4 sentences) about a fair judge.
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How do you feel when someone judges you? Write a paragraph.
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Write a sentence using the phrase 'panel of judges'.
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Write a sentence using 'judges' in a professional/academic context.
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What qualities should a judge have? List three and explain why.
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Write a dialogue between two people talking about a TV judge.
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Use 'judges' as a verb to describe an algorithm.
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Write a sentence using 'judges' and the adverb 'fairly'.
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Describe a time you had to judge something. What was it?
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Write a formal sentence about the Supreme Court judges.
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Use 'judges' in a sentence about history.
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Write a sentence using the possessive plural 'judges''.
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Explain why subject-verb agreement is important with the word 'judges'.
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Write a sentence about the 'Book of Judges'.
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What is the difference between judging and evaluating? Write 2 sentences.
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Talk about a time you watched a competition with judges. What did they do?
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Do you think it is easy to be a judge? Why or why not?
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Explain the role of judges in your country's legal system.
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How do you judge if a movie is good or bad?
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Discuss the importance of impartial judges in a democracy.
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What would you do if you were one of the judges on a talent show?
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Why do people say 'Don't judge me'?
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Talk about a famous judge you know from TV or history.
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How does an algorithm 'judge' what you see on social media?
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Do you think judges should wear traditional robes? Why?
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Listen to a description of a courtroom. Who is sitting at the high desk?
Listen to a sports commentary. Who gave the athlete a score of 9.5?
Listen to a news report. What did the federal judges block?
Listen to a conversation. Why is the person upset about being 'judged'?
Listen to a teacher. How does she judge the students' final projects?
Listen to a podcast about law. How are Supreme Court judges chosen?
Listen to a talent show clip. What did the judges say about the singer?
Listen to a history lecture. What was the role of judges in ancient times?
Listen to a weather report. How does the reporter judge the risk of rain?
Listen to a dialogue. Where are the judges going after the trial?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'judges' is a versatile term used for both the people who uphold the law and the act of evaluating anything from a talent show performance to a person's character. Example: 'The judges (noun) decided the case, while the public judges (verb) the outcome.'
- Judges are officials who preside over legal trials and make authoritative decisions in a court of law to ensure justice is served fairly.
- In competitions and talent shows, judges are experts who evaluate performances and decide the winners based on specific scoring criteria.
- As a verb, 'judges' is the third-person singular form used to describe the act of forming an opinion or assessing the value of something.
- The word is essential in legal, athletic, social, and academic contexts, representing authority, evaluation, and the process of reaching a conclusion.
Subject-Verb Match
Always check if your subject is singular or plural. 'The judges (plural) judge' but 'The judge (singular) judges'. This is the most common mistake with this word.
Use 'Justices' for High Courts
If you are writing a formal paper about the Supreme Court, using the word 'Justices' instead of 'judges' will make your writing sound much more professional and accurate.
Be Careful with Social Judging
When using 'judges' as a verb for people, remember it often sounds negative. If you want to be neutral, try using 'observes' or 'notices' instead.
The 'IZ' Sound
Practice the two-syllable pronunciation. The second syllable 'iz' is essential. Saying it as one syllable is a common marker of a non-native accent.