Exclamation mark sentence: What Is an Exclamation Point?

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What Is an Exclamation Point?

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).

exclamation point meaning and example sentence that are shared in the article

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What Is an Exclamation Point?

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.

  • I got into college. (Calm tone)
  • I got into college! (Excited tone)
  • I got into college? (Confused tone)
     
  • Take out the trash. (Calm tone)
  • Take out the trash! (Angry tone)
  • Take out the trash? (Confused tone)

Exclamation Point Examples

Exclamation points can affect the tone of a sentence in ways that a period can’t. Some examples of exclamation in a sentence include:

  • Yes, I will marry you!
  • Oh! That is a gorgeous dress!
  • Wow! I can’t believe I ran into you here.
  • Jessica told me that you’re having a baby!
  • “You are in a lot of trouble!” shouted Will’s dad.
  • Help! I locked myself out of my house!
  • No! I forgot my homework again!
  • My favorite movie is playing. Let’s go!
  • You’re supposed to use two coats of paint, not one!
  • Stop! Don’t throw me in the pool!
  • How dare you copy my answers!
  • “Get out of my way!” snapped the old lady.

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.

Is It “Exclamation Mark” or “Exclamation Point”?

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).

What Do Exclamation Points Do?

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.

Exclamation Points Change Declarations Into Exclamations

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.

  • I can’t wait to go to Disneyland! (Excited tone)
  • You already bought a new car! (Surprised tone)
  • How dare you disobey me! (Angry tone)
  • That mountain is even bigger than I thought! (Awed tone)
  • We don’t want to go to the party! (Emphasizing a point)

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Exclamation Points Emphasize Interjections

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.

  • Yay! I can’t wait to go to Disneyland!
  • Oh! You already bought a new car!
  • Hey! How dare you disobey me!
  • Wow! That mountain is even bigger than I thought!
  • No! We don’t want to go to the party!

Exclamation Marks Turn Requests Into Commands

When an imperative sentence ends in a period, it’s making a polite request or issuing an instruction. The tone is serious and calm.

  • Please turn your music down.
  • Pass the mashed potatoes.
  • Lend me fifty dollars, please.

When you change these periods into exclamation points, you get strong commands (and removing please helps, too).

  • Turn your music down
  • Pass the mashed potatoes!
  • Lend me fifty dollars!

Where Did the Exclamation Point Come From?

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).

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What Does “?!” Mean?

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.

  • You sold your car?! (Incredulous statement)
  • How are we going to get home?! (Question with panic)
  • We’re out of money?! (Statement with disbelief)
  • Are you awake?! (Question with urgency)

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.

What Does It Mean When People Add (!) to Their Sentence?

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:

  • I aced the test (!) and then went to soccer practice.
  • Because of the huge storm coming through (!) we couldn’t take the freeway.
  • Maribeth said yes (!) before telling me she’s always liked me (!!) and then we kissed (!!!!!)

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.

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Exclamation Point Practice Quiz

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.

  1. I set a new school record for running the mile.
  2. Tell me your secret.
  3. Don’t touch that button.
  4. Your wedding dress is beautiful.
  5. The cat already ate its dinner.
  6. Who asked you to get involved in my life?

Exclamation Point Practice Quiz Answer Key

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. )

  1. I set a new school record for running the mile! (Excited tone)
  2. Tell me your secret! (Demanding tone)
  3. Don’t touch that button! (Panicked tone)
  4. Your wedding dress is beautiful! (Excited tone)
  5. The cat already ate its dinner! (Annoyed tone)
  6. Who asked you to get involved in my life?! (Demanding/upset tone)

Why Claim When You Can Exclaim?

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.

Staff Writer

Exclamation Mark | When to Use an Exclamation Mark

by Craig Shrives

This Page Includes.

..

  • Printable & Sendable Test
  • Why Exclamation Marks Are Important
  • Key Points

When To Use Exclamation Marks (with Examples)



An exclamation mark (!) is used to indicate a sudden order, intensity of emotion (e.g., surprise, anger, joy), or volume.


Using Exclamation Marks



Typically, an exclamation mark is used to end an:

An Exclamatory Sentence

An exclamatory sentence conveys excitement or emotion. It ends with an exclamation mark. For example:

  • You’re late!
  • It’s a pike!

Read more about exclamatory sentences.An Imperative Sentence

An imperative sentence issues an order. It will end in an exclamation mark to show forcefulness. For example:

  • Get out!
  • Take the dog out the kitchen this instant!
  • Please leave.

  • (This is an imperative sentence, but it does not end with an exclamation mark because the order is not forceful.)

Read more about imperative sentences.An Interjection

Interjections are words used to express feeling or sudden emotion. They can be standalone or as part of a sentence (usually at the start). An interjection can end in an exclamation mark to express a strong feeling or emotion. For example:

  • Jeepers! That was close!

  • (This is an interjection (shaded) followed by an exclamatory sentence.)

  • Overweight people now outnumber average people in America. Last month you were fat. Now you’re average. Yay! Let’s get a pizza! (Comedian Jay Leno)

  • (This is an interjection (shaded) followed by an imperative sentence that also expresses joy.)

Read more about interjections.

Why Exclamation Marks Are Important



There are two noteworthy points related to exclamation marks:

(Point 1) Avoid exclamation marks in formal correspondence.



Exclamation marks have their place in fiction writing, verse, advertisements, signage, texts, and informal emails, but as a rule they’re not well suited to business correspondence.

There are, of course, dozens of business scenarios when an exclamation mark would be appropriate, but stay mindful that exclamation marks are considered a bit crass. In business correspondence, try to use your power of expression to avoid them. A downside with exclamation marks is they don’t come with an explanation of what they’re for (e.g., emotion, forcefulness, importance) or an indication of how strong they are, which leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation.

  • Please pay the invoice within 28 days of receipt!

  • (That’s a pretty risky exclamation mark, if you ask me.)

(Point 2) Don’t use more than one exclamation mark.



If it’s appropriate to use an exclamation mark, then do. But don’t use two (!!) or more (!!!) unless you’re texting your mates. Using two or more is the social equivalent of laughing at your own jokes and, in anything even slightly formal, will probably be taken as rude or juvenile.

  • Five exclamation marks: the sure sign of an insane mind. (Author Terry Pratchett)
Key Points
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See Also

What are the types of sentences?What is punctuation?What is an exclamatory sentence?What is an imperative sentence?What are interjections?

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Useful for Text Speak



Using an exclamation mark in «text speak» can be a useful way to convey the tone of your message, which is often lost when texting. (We judge that using more than one is allowable in «text speak» for the same reason.)

Read more about text speak on our sister site, Cyber Definitions.

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When, Why and How to Use Exclamation Mark?

Careful use of punctuation marks in writing is essential to avoid any ambiguities. Writers express their feelings easily with their help. Commas, full stops, and exclamation marks are there in sentences to give intended meaning.

An exclamation mark at the end of a sentence expresses different emotions like anger, surprise, joy, sorrow, etc. Besides that, the writers can also use exclamation marks in sentence fragments, sudden interjections, etc. For example, “Hurrah! We won the match.”

How Relevant Is It to Use an Exclamation Mark in the Sentence?

An exclamation mark is not or rarely used in formal writing. A writer should know what an exclamation point means before using it in the content. Faulty use of punctuation marks is harmful to writing. It destroys the essence, tone, and style of writing. A sentence is a complete statement, and punctuation in a sentence helps to read and understand its meaning clearly. 

You have several things to make the meaning of a sentence clear, like intonation, pauses, stress, and rhythm. Punctuation handles them when writing or speaking, and each punctuation mark has a significant role.

Exclamation points are no exceptions. In a sentence, they signify the emotion depicted. A period is an essential part of a declarative sentence, likewise, an exclamation mark is a part of exclamatory sentences.

Know About Varied Usage of Exclamation Marks

How to use an exclamation mark? Here are a few instances that show an exclamation point’s use in different ways. 

  • Use of Quotation Marks In Direct Sentences:

For direct sentences, when there is If there is a sense of anger and disgust in a direct sentence, exclamation marks are used. It may signify shouting or yelling. For example, the teacher said, “Stop Shouting!”

  • Use of Exclamatory Quotations:

Using exclamation points in quotations is very simple. The writer needs to use the exclamation point at the end of the sentence. For example, “The woods look scary at this time of night!”, said John. The exclamation point can be tricky if there is another exclamation point at the end of the sentence.

Writers can add the exclamation point at the end of the sentence. It applies to the overall model of the sentence. For example, “The teacher only wanted to tell that “nothing is scary, only the flashlight went off”!

  • Use of Exclamation Marks within Parentheses:

The exclamation point is used for the words inside the parenthesis if it applies to them. For example, John is scared because it is dark (flashlights are gone too!).

The writers can also put the exclamation mark outside the parentheses if the exclamation mark applies to the overall sense indicated in the whole sentence. For example, “In the beginning, I was happy with them, and then what they did shocked me (it was unbelievable)!”

Although one can use exclamation points and parenthesis together, their use is not very regular. Instead, the usage is relatively rare.

Does the Tone Decides the Usage of Exclamation Marks.

For exclamation marks, a writer needs to realize the tone of a sentence. The mood of a sentence decides the expression that will be followed by an exclamation point. In such cases, one may use the exclamation after the word.

For example, the emotions of sorrow and joy us       e exclamation marks, and the writers use them as, ‘Alas!’, ‘Hurrah!’ etc. Sometimes, the exclamation points are used after a whole sentence. For example, ‘How gorgeous the lady is!’

As an expression of surprise: “Wow! The show-piece is very pretty!”

As an expression of amusement: “Bravo! Our team worked hard to achieve the first place in the inter-school competition.

As an expression of sorrow and disappointment: “Oh no! He got hurt during the race.”

The writers need to understand that they can use a single exclamation for most sentences unless there is a need to use multiple exclamation points in a single sentence.

The Use of Upside Down Exclamation Marks:

The Spanish and Latin American writers use inverted question marks or exclamation points in the sentences. They use upside-down exclamation points at the beginning of the exclamatory phrases or sentences. They are also used by other language writers who have cultural ties with the Spanish languages, which include Galician, Asturian, and Waray writers.

The writers of the languages that use Latin alphabets use upside-down exclamation points. The use of inverted punctuation marks in Spanish is critical as the language’s syntax means both questions and statements, otherwise, the exclamation may have similar wording.

Wrong Use of Exclamation Marks

The most crucial and challenging part of a written language is the expression. The writers who want to indicate emotive forces in writing should use punctuations, like exclamation marks appropriately. The feeling gets more apparent with the use of punctuation marks.

Supposedly, when a writer writes, “I am shocked to see how to mean you can be,” the reader realizes the rage, disappointment, and disgust dripping from the narrator’s voice. When the writer includes an exclamation mark at the end, “I am shocked at how to mean you can be!” the readers almost become sure that the speaker is enraged with someone’s behavior.

However, the overuse of exclamation marks can be harmful to the writing. If your writing has a very high density of exclamation points, readers get annoyed and start ignoring them. The sense of urgency also gets diluted with their overuse.

The writer can simply use their vocabulary to create the emotion, rather than filling the entire content with exclamation marks. If you are writing officially or academically, it is better to avoid exclamation points.

Exclamation Marks and Plagiarism Checker:

Some students or writers may use a part or parts of an author’s writing in their work. In that case, they must take account of the punctuation marks. When quoting words, they must place them within quotation marks. If they forget to place them properly, that will be an instance of misquotation.

While using a quotation mark, along with an exclamation mark, the writer should keep one thing in mind. The exclamation mark should be placed outside the quotation marks and not inside them. For example, if you want to write, “I am at the top of the world,” you should write it in the following way:

“I am at the top of the world”!

It is the right way of using an exclamation mark while using quotation marks.

Since misquotation is also a part of plagiarism, the writers and students must be careful. For academic writing, plagiarism is taken seriously. The students who use quotation marks when using someone’s work can use a plagiarism checker to learn to use quotation marks appropriately.

They should avoid any chance of committing plagiarism by removing misquotes. Therefore, using a content checker is mandatory before submitting a project.

Conclusion

Though it is permissible to use an exclamation mark in writing to draw attention to certain emotions, excessive of them will make your writing childish or frivolous. Avoid using them in academic or formal writing. However, when you use it, try to use it correctly.

FAQs

When should an exclamation point be used?

You use an exclamation point in a sentence expressed with emotive force. For example, “Fire!”, “Well done!”, and “How rude they are!”.

What is the purpose of using an exclamation mark?

If you want to express a strong feeling, you use an exclamation mark. Nevertheless, it’s rarely used in formal writing as its excessive use in sentences is often considered immature writing.  

What do 3 exclamation marks mean?

Using three exclamation marks is rare in sentences; nevertheless, they signify strong emphasis on the seeming surprising nature of the sentence.

The Uses of An Exclamation Point (!) in English

http://www.whitesmoke.com/punctuation-exclamation-point.html

The exclamation point ( !) is a terminal punctuation mark in English and is usually used at the end of a sentence with no extra period. It can turn a simple indicative or declarative sentence into a strong command or reflect an emotional outburst. It can also indicate rhetorical questions. Do not use an exclamation point in texts that are neither literary dialog nor personal expressive writing. It is inappropriate to put an exclamation point in formal pieces of writing such as a business resume, school book report, or a due college paper, as the style expected in these should be objective, standard, and informative. Using an exclamation point in such settings creates an impression of unwarranted exaggeration, which in turn is perceived as amateurish, marketing oriented or just plainly childish. Do use it in stories and personal communication, and even then, sparingly.

Using an exclamation point for indicating a strong emotion or emphatic declaration 

1. In dialogue, use the exclamation point to indicate a strong command in an imperative sentence. This denotes a firm and direct order.

  • Clean the elephant enclosure now!
  • Look out, there’s an elephant running behind you!

2. In dialogue, use the exclamation point to convey an emphatic declaration, which can indicate any of the following emotions:

  • Shock:        «There’s been a terrible accident!»
  • Excitement: «Oh my God! What a fantastic birthday gift!»
  • Urgency:      «Drive carefully! Watch out for traffic signs! If you don’t, you could die!
  • Vehemence:»Down with the new anti-elephant laws!»
  • Astonishment:»I just can’t believe what she’s done! It’s simply beyond me!»

3. Even in literary or dialog writing, over-use of the exclamation point should be avoided, using alternative wording or other punctuation marks to express emotion. Experienced writers know how to make their readers infer emotions from context.
Avoid: The Japanese food at Kyoto was just out of this world!!! Super-duper!!! These guys know how to cook!
[Exaggerated enthusiasm using too many exclamation points]

Consider: The Japanese food at Kyoto was the best we have ever had. It appears that the chefs there are highly professional.
[Subtle enthusiasm using alternative wording with periods instead of exclamation points]

Pay attention!

4. Do not use the exclamation point with a period, comma, colon, or semicolon.

  • No:  He shouted: «Watch out!.»
  • No:  «Watch out!,» he shouted.
  • Yes:»Watch out!» he shouted.

5. Do not use the exclamation point to express overt amazement or sarcasm. Use other words for rephrasing. At 3.3 meters and 7 tons (!), the African elephant is the biggest (!) land animal on Earth. Yet, Johnny (!) thinks       that the Indian elephant is bigger.
[1st exclamation point expresses amazement, 2nd exclamation point expresses sarcasm]

At a majestic 3. 3 meters and 7 tons, the African elephant is the largest land animal on Earth. Yet, Johnny,          stubbornly, thinks that the Indian elephant is larger.
[majestic expresses amazement, stubbornly expresses sarcasm, both instead of the exclamation point].

6. «In was back again, a hopeless cripple.» literary prose or poetry, an exclamation point is sometimes seen in the middle of sentences, where it need not be followed by a capital letter. See also the exclamation point style conventions below.
«Two years earlier, I had walked off into the sunset – cured! It’s a miracle! She can walk! And now I                 
     Nora Ephron, Heartburn

Using an exclamation point for indicating rhetorical questions

Check this out!

  • Aren’t his paintings amazing? [interested or surprised reaction]
  • Aren’t his paintings amazing. [uninterested or musing reaction]
  • Aren’t his paintings amazing! [indignant or exciting reaction]

Analysis ! When the above rhetorical question is used with different punctuation marks, the rhetoric implication is altered (as shown in the brackets). This demonstrates the emotional effect punctuation marks may have in a text.
If you want to know more, read the punctuation rules below

The Punctuation Rules for Using an Exclamation Point in Rhetorical Questions:

1. A rhetorical question is a question for which no answer is expected or for which the answer is self-evident. A rhetorical question can end in either a question mark, or an exclamation point or a period, depending on context and the writer’s purpose.
I did everything I could for that company; do you think they thanked me?
[apparently not]

How can I ever thank you enough!
[obviously you will have to work hard thanking]

How could I have known that those documents I had sent were top secret.
[You couldn’t have]

2. An exclamation point at the end of a sentence can create the following effects:
Do you really believe I can read all these books about elephants by tomorrow!
[disgruntlement]

Aren’t the twins adorable!
[wonder and awe]

Is there any way on this earth I can ever get my father’s approval !
[despair]

3. Rhetorical questions in a dialog are better ended with a period, as this imparts a more realistic tone.

  • «Look, why don’t we just forget about this deal.»
  • «Well, isn’t that what I expected to hear.»

4. You can use an exclamation point with italics to show shock or incredulity.
She said what!

Using an exclamation point for drawing attention to unlikely points

1. Writers sometime like to sparingly use an exclamation point enclosed in parenthesis to draw the reader’s attention to unlikely, ironic or unexpected sentences. However, it may be more elegant to choose different wordings to express irony and such.
After his 98th (!) hot dog, Abner Manishewitz won first place in the L.A. County eat-offs.
[Exclamation point expresses amazement and maybe also disgust]

After his hard to believe and visually disturbing 98th hot dog, Abner Manishewitz won first place in the L.A.          County eat-offs.
[his hard to believe and visually disturbing expresses amazement and maybe also disgust]

Exclamation point style conventions

1. Do not use a comma after an exclamation point occurring in the middle of a sentence.
«You didn’t do everything I asked!» her boss said angrily.

2. Do not use a period after an exclamation point occurring in the end of a sentence, even if followed by quotation marks.
Her editor always likes to say, «This writer is on the verge of a nervous breakdown!» It always makes me laugh.

3. You can use an exclamation point with other visual emphasizes, such as capital letters, boldface or italic type (again, this should be done sparingly)
«You didn’t actually agree to that offer!» her boss asked incredulously.

4. When an exclamation point follows a quoted text, put it before the closing quotation mark if it applies just to the quoted text. Put the exclamation point outside the closing quotation mark if it applies to the entire sentence.
If only I could finally say «I’ve graduated from college» like all my friends!
[entire sentence is exclamatory]

«I’ve graduated from college !» cried Dan to his grandmother excitedly on the phone.
[only quoted text is in exclamatory, no extra comma after an exclamation mark]

5. When an exclamation point is used with parenthesis, put it inside the parenthesis if only the enclosed text is exclamatory. When the whole sentence is exclamatory, put the exclamation mark outside the parenthesis. If the text enclosed in the parenthesis is a stand alone sentence, add the appropriate terminal punctuation mark. Always put a terminal punctuation point at the end of the sentence, regardless of what punctuation mark appears in the parenthesis.
For months, I stayed in extra hours to complete the project (I couldn’t bear it!).
[exclamation point inside the parenthesis, only enclosed text is exclamatory]

It’s just not fair that Dan has to work over time (despite being denied of a promotion)!
[exclamation point outside the parenthesis, whole sentence is exclamatory]

6. When an exclamation point immediately follows an italicized text, italicize it as well.
You’re kidding, he promoted her!

Exclamation Mark Uses & Examples | When to Use Exclamation Points — Video & Lesson Transcript

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Janelle Barowski, Ann Casano

  • Author

    Janelle Barowski

    Janelle is a tutor for Nursing and Health Administration. She has an Associate’s degree in Nursing from Middlesex College. She also has a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Nursing Administration and Leadership from Western Governors University. She currently is a practicing pediatric and geriatric nurse.

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  • Instructor

    Ann Casano

    Ann has taught university level Film classes and has a Master’s Degree in Cinema Studies.

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Learn what an exclamation point or mark is. Understand the meaning of an exclamation mark in text with examples and learn when to use an exclamation point.

Updated: 11/30/2021

Table of Contents

  • What Is an Exclamation Point?
  • Exclamation Mark Examples
  • Lesson Summary

Show

What Is an Exclamation Point?

Exclamation points or marks are valuable grammatical tools that are used to provide context to written text. When punctuated with an exclamation point, sentences read differently than if omitted.

This difference can be seen in the following two sentences:

  • I want to go outside.
  • I want to go outside!

The first sentence is a declarative statement that can be read casually. There is no sense of urgency, but the speaker would like the other person to know they would like to go outside. The second sentence is read with much more urgency and excitement due to the addition of the exclamation mark. The punctuation at the end of a sentence can completely change the context of what is being said.

What exactly is an exclamation point? This grammatical mark is called an exclamation point: ! It looks like a period with a vertical line placed directly above it. The meaning of an exclamation mark is that it expresses strong feelings or emphasis in written text. This punctuation mark also represents enthusiasm. It can be found at the very end of a sentence.

An exclamation mark is a grammatical sign used to express strong feelings.

When to Use an Exclamation Mark

Now that this lesson has defined the significance of an exclamation mark in text, this section will explain when to use an exclamation mark. The best way to understand this grammatical tool is through the use of a few examples.

The exclamation point is used to display strong emotions. These can include happiness, sadness, anger, fear, or surprise. These emotional uses can be seen in the following examples:

  • I can’t wait to go on vacation next week!
  • Watch out for that car!
  • I can’t believe you did that!
  • I want you to apologize for your behavior!

Exclamation marks are placed at the end of a sentence to add emphasis to written text.

Exclamation marks can also display a forceful statement or command.

  • Go to bed now!
  • Don’t be loud- you’ll wake up your brother!
  • Don’t throw rocks at other people!
  • Get back inside the house right now!
  • You have to start trying with your schoolwork!

Exclamation points can also come after «how» or «what» when they are not used in a question. This use is usually found in rhetorical questions that function more as an emphatic statements than actual questions that need to be answered.

  • What the heck are you doing!
  • How amazing was the food we ate last night!
  • What barbarians they were!

Exclamative punctuation marks are used in informal writing. They can be used in text messages, emails, and letters with people who are close to the writer. They are commonly used twice in a row for added emphasis. In addition, they can appear alongside a question mark to add emphasis to a question. This should only be used in informal writing. Exclamation points can also be useful in a literary text that attempts to mimic dialogue.

The following examples demonstrate these uses:

With & Without the Exclamation Mark

Can you hear the difference in the following sentences (see the video at 00:08)?

Stella had the baby last night.

Stella had the baby last night!

It’s amazing what a simple punctuation mark will do. The first sentence in the example above reads rather casually: ‘Oh, it’s not a big deal, but Stella had the baby last night.’ The second sentence reads like this news is great news and we are supposed to get excited! That’s what the exclamation mark will do for a sentence. It adds a level of enthusiasm. It’s boastful, and we feel energized by its presence.

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Apostrophe: Use & Examples

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  • 0:03 With & Without the…
  • 0:41 When Not to Use Them
  • 1:16 Exclamation Mark Uses
  • 3:24 Lesson Summary