For many English-language purists, the exclamation point is something almost unnecessary, and something that is really only to be used in very specific circumstances.

“I have to leave now. Goodbye.”

The man left, and was half-way down the street when she finally responded.

“Wait!”

The last piece of the dialogue takes an exclamation point because it is clearly said in some urgency, and perhaps with the voice raised. It is also a command, which is another reason why an exclamation point should be used.

These are usually the acceptable circumstances for the use of exclamation points for language purists:

·  It is said urgently

·  It is spoken with a raised voice (or shouted)

·  It is a command

Outside of these conditions, many traditional language tutors would not encourage the use of exclamation points, and for many native speakers of English (as well as many others who have learnt how to write English formally), we still have doubts about using these punctuation marks because of this education we have received.

But the world is changing, and most of the time we are not writing formally.

What do exclamation points do in reality?

In the modern day-to-day world, exclamation points achieve all manner of things. They make sentences sound less serious, they make sentences more playful, they can be a good indication of sarcasm, or a good example of excitement or happiness. They can emphasize in all manner of ways. And they can express your personality. In short, exclamation points can achieve much, as well as to be used for those traditional functions that most of us have been taught.

When can I use exclamation points?

Using an exclamation point is certainly your decision, and if you wish, you could also use multiple exclamation points (something many of us were taught never to do)!

Here are some classic situations when you can use exclamation points in both work and leisure situations:

Great news. Vs Great news!!!!

Which one shows more excitement about the news?

I can’t believe he did that. Vs I can’t believe he did that!!!!!

Which example shows more surprise?

That was great presentation today. Vs That was a great presentation today!

Which one is less formally delivered, and perhaps signifies a more comfortable relationship with a colleague?

Listen to me. Vs Listen to me!!!!

Which one really wants you to listen?

I know you can do better next time. Vs I know you can do better next time!

Which sentence is more supportive?

As you know I love his cooking. Vs As you know I love his cooking!!!

Which could perhaps be sarcastic? Or even emphatic?

These are just some examples of how exclamation points can be used to change the tone and voice of writing.

Use them as you wish, and if you want to use ten, why not?

I’m so happy I can use as many exclamation points as I want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And that is real happiness (at using exclamation points)!

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Uses of Exclamation Marks

While periods punctuate declarative sentences and question marks punctuate interrogative sentences, exclamation marks are used to punctuate exclamatory sentences. More forceful than a declarative sentence, exclamatory sentences are statements that express or describe different kinds of excitement or emotion.

Example: Thank you for this lovely gift! (happy)

                 What an amazing story! (surprise)

                 Your dress looks beautiful! (enthusiasm)

                 I lost my bag at the airport! (sad)

                 You tore my book! (anger)

Exclamation marks can also be used to punctuate sentence fragments and interjections. While not uncommon, it can also be used to end a statement that is framed as a question.

Example: Bye! See you tomorrow.

                 Ouch! Your dog bit me!

                 Start your workshop after the weekend! The weather is really bad.

                 I have ruined my interview. How could I have been so forgetful!

Quotations and Exclamations

While exclamation marks are relatively easy to use at the end of sentences, the rules can get confusing when quotation marks are involved. However, this confusion can be easily mitigated by analyzing the sentence.

If an exclamatory sentence is enclosed in quotation marks, the exclamation mark should also be placed inside the quotation marks.

Example: “I don’t want to do it!” yelled Kyle.

                 Jenny nodded to Susan’s remark “your dedication is impressive!”

If the whole sentence is exclamatory, then the exclamation mark should be placed outside the quotation marks and at the end of the sentence. Usually, in such sentences, the words enclosed inside the quotation marks are not a complete sentence.

Example: Kyle yelled when his mom told him to “stop playing video games”!

                 Due to her “impressive dedication”, Jenny bagged another promotion!

Parenthesis and Exclamations

As with quotation marks, if the words within the parenthesis are exclamatory, the exclamation mark should be placed inside the parenthesis.

Example: As she didn’t know what it was (an antique sword!), Natalie called the cops.

                Connor was upset because he didn’t get what he wanted (his dream job!).

If the entire sentence is exclamatory, the exclamation mark should be placed at the end of the sentence.

Example: No matter what happens, we will stay together (forever)!

                 While it (the power outage) happened during my shift, I am not responsible for it!

The Misuse of Exclamation Marks!

While the rules on using exclamation marks are relatively simple, curbing its unnecessary usage is definitely not! Excessive usage occurs mainly because emotions cannot be expressed in writing as much as it can while speaking. For example, when you call upon someone, your voice and tone convey your meaning and intention. However, when writing, emotions cannot be conveyed until an exclamation mark is added.

Example: Please, get here now. (without exclamation mark)

                 Please, get here now! (with exclamation mark)

An exclamation mark is used to convey stronger emotions. However, this leads many people to use this powerful punctuation in places where it is not needed. Using exclamations too often can render them less effective.

Some important aspects to remember are to use exclamations sparingly and only in informal or casual situations. If you need to express any kind of emotion in formal or academic writing, it’s better to use words with stronger meanings to convey your thoughts.

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