The only exception is Bob and Jim. Or, The only exception are Bob and Jim. Which is correct please? [closed]

which is correct please. The only exception is Bob and Jim. Or, the only exception are Bob and Jim? Thank you.

If there are two exceptions, i.e. Bob and Jim, I would change your sentences so that you use the plural form.

"The only exceptions are Bob and Jim."

If Bob and Jim are a married couple and the people with whom they are being compared are also couples then Bob and Jim could be considered to be a single entity for purposes of comparison. You might see a sentence like this:

Most of the households in our block are heterosexual couples; the only exception is Bob and Jim.

However it is more likely that they will be compared separately with other individuals and you might see a sentence like this:

Most of the members of our team have completed the diversity training module. The exceptions are Bob and Jim.

So, as Parever has said, when there is one exception you say "the only exception is ..." but when there is more than one exception you say "the only exceptions are..." (note the plural 's' on exceptions).There are no circumstances where you could say "the only exception are..." since "exception" is singular and "are" is plural so they do not match.