is/are

[Tan Elaine]

Although there are menial occupations and highly-respected vocations, we cannot say the latter is/are superior to the former.. Although there are many occupations, such as members of parliament, doctors. lawyers, corporate managers, drivers and waiters, every single occupation is indispensable.

Should I use 'is' or 'are'? Are there any errors in the sentences?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Barb_D]

I would use "are" because "vocations" is plural.

You could argue that you are referring to a category of occupations, and the single is possible.

 

[euncu]

"vocations" is plural.

How'd you say this while speaking;

a) vocations is plural.
b) vocations is plural. (you make quotation marks in the air while saying vocation)
c) vocations are plural.

 

[Barb_D]

How about "The word 'vocations' is plural."?

EDIT: Better: The word "vocations" takes the plural from of the verb.

 

[euncu]

How about "The word 'vocations' is plural."?

This sound better to me but this give ways to another question?
When we'd like to say the word "X", isn't X supposed to be in a bare form?
(Here, I don't mean you're supposed to that way, I'm just saying I'm not sure
whether it's correct or not)

 

[Barb_D]

Can you explain what you mean by "the bare form"? If you mean without a tense marker if it's a verb or without an S if it's a plural noun, then no. You should use the word exactly as you want to discuss it, whether that's a participle form of a verb or an S for a plural verb or... whatever.

 

[philo2009]

Although there are menial occupations and highly-respected vocations, we cannot say the latter is/are superior to the former.. Although there are many occupations, such as members of parliament, doctors. lawyers, corporate managers, drivers and waiters, every single occupation is indispensable.

Should I use 'is' or 'are'? Are there any errors in the sentences?

Thanks in advance.

Are: 'the latter' refers back to a plural noun phrase 'highly respected vocations'.