The exclamation mark, which is also known as the exclamation point, looks like a period with a vertical bar above it. There are a few different ways to use exclamation marks correctly. An Exciting Punctuation MarkThe exclamation point is usually used after an exclamation or interjection. It is intended to indicate strong feelings and convey emotion, as well as to indicate shouting or high volume. Like a period or question mark, an exclamation point typically comes at the end of a sentence. It is most often seen in informal text. Rules for Using Exclamation MarksExclamation marks make the greatest impact when they are used sparingly. Follow these easy-to-remember rules when you use them. h2>Examples for Using Exclamation Marks Use an exclamation mark at the end of a strong command, an interjection, or an emphatic declaration.
Exclamation points may be used to convey extreme emotion at the end of a question.
In informal writing, the same sentiment can be expressed with a combined question mark and exclamation point, as follows:
Both methods are acceptable; if you are taking a writing class, be sure to get your instructor’s input on which method he or she prefers. Surround an exclamation mark with parentheses to emphasize a single word in a sentence.
When using this method, do not insert a space between the emphasized word and the parentheses. This grammatical device is used rarely, and is not normally considered appropriate for inclusion in formal text. Use an exclamation point to accompany sounds produced mimetically, as illustrated.
When an exclamation point is part of an underlined or italicized phrase or title, be sure that it is also underlined or italicized.
As in the second example, the exclamation point in the title of a book, movie, or play should not be followed by a period if it concludes a sentence. When an exclamation point is not part of an italicized phrase or title that comes at the end a sentence, it should not be italicized.
Though exclamation marks can be fun to use, it is important to remember that they are used rarely in academic prose; in journalistic writing, they are nearly nonexistent. Would you like to learn more? Click here to learn how to properly use quotation marks We’re all guilty of using exclamation points when we shouldn’t. But sometimes, a period just won’t suffice — and your excitement wants to jump off the page! (Just like that!) There’s nothing wrong with using the occasional exclamation point to show some feeling in your writing, as long as you know when they’re appropriate (and when they’re not). An exclamation point is a punctuation mark that shows emphasis or emotion in a written sentence. It looks like a period with a vertical line over it: ! Like periods and question marks, exclamation points are end punctuation marks — they go at the ends of sentences to change the tone of a sentence.
Exclamation points can affect the tone of a sentence in ways that a period can’t. Some examples of exclamation in a sentence include:
Notice that some sentences have exclamation marks after an interjection but a period after the next sentence. This makes the interjection pop in your writing. When used in a quote, exclamation marks should be inside the quotation marks, just like all punctuation. If you’re used to calling this little symbol an exclamation point, then referring to it as an exclamation mark might look a little funny. And if you’re from the United States, there’s a reason — exclamation point is more popular than exclamation mark. However, exclamation mark is more widely used around the world, particularly in countries that use British English. Use whichever term sounds more correct to you, keeping your audience in mind (American audiences may wrinkle their nose at exclamation mark). It seems obvious to say that exclamation points exclaim, but that’s what they do. They can also make your sentence sound a little ruder than you mean it to be. The key to using exclamation points is understanding how they change the tone of particular sentences — and whether that’s really what you want to do. When you write a declarative sentence, you’re making a straightforward statement with a period (I love puppies.) Changing the period into an exclamation point creates an exclamatory sentence — a sentence that shows strong emotions.
Is your sentence still not strong enough? You don’t need multiple exclamation points — just add an interjection (a word or phrase that exclaims, commands or protests) followed by an exclamation point.
When an imperative sentence ends in a period, it’s making a polite request or issuing an instruction. The tone is serious and calm.
When you change these periods into exclamation points, you get strong commands (and removing please helps, too).
The exclamation point appeared in the English language in the 15th century. Originally called the note of admiration (punctus admirativus), it’s only recently become a mainstay of English writing conventions. F. Scott Fitzgerald himself once declared “Cut out all those exclamation marks. An exclamation mark is like laughing at your own jokes.” In fact, exclamation points did not even exist as a separate key on standard typewriters until the 1970s. Fortunately, exclamation points now have a prominent place on computer keyboards on the number 1 key (sorry, Mr. Fitzgerald). Exclamation points add emphasis to declarative and imperative sentences, but what about when you want to express surprise in a question (known as an interrogative sentence)? Or when you want to add disbelief to a statement? That’s where a question mark-exclamation point combo, sometimes known as an interrobang (‽), comes in handy. It combines a question mark and exclamation point (?! or even ?!?!) when neither punctuation mark does the trick.
As perfect as this combination can be in casual writing, such as in emails or text messages, it’s not a formal writing convention. The same goes for multiple exclamation points (!!!!) — don’t use them outside conversational or informal writing. Another place you may see an exclamation point is between two parentheses in the middle of a sentence. These exclamation points add some conversational flair to written sentences. For example:
One exclamation point in parentheses typically means “This part of the sentence is surprising, but that’s not all.” You can add more exclamation points throughout the sentence, especially if the news becomes increasingly good or shocking. Ready to put your exclamation point skills to the test? Add exclamation points to the end of each sentence, and identify the tone they create in the new sentence.
Was it easy to figure out the new tones of each sentence, or did you need a little help? (Answers may vary, depending on your interpretation.)
Exclamation points are like tabasco sauce — a little bit goes a long way. Though using a lot of exclamation marks may not burn your tongue, it can get annoying to read. Sprinkle them sparingly throughout your writing (just like semicolons) to satisfy everyone’s appetite. |