a better job of policing...

[LQZ]

He said that scientists must do a better job of policing themselves and trying to be heard over the loudest voices on cable news, talk radio and the Internet. --taken from the NYT

Dear all,

If I rewrite the above like this: ....must do a better job to police ...and try to be heard ...., could you tell me whether it is idiomatic with the same meaning? Thanks.


LQZ

 

[panjandrum]

As written, we understand that they are already policing themselves and trying to be heard. They should "do a better job of" these activities - do them better.

In the re-written version, job has been detached from policing and trying. I don't know what it refers to any more. There is also much less sense, if any, that they are currently doing anything to police themselves or to try to be heard.

 

[LQZ]

Thank you, panjandrum, your help makes sense to me.