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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Quotation Marks: American vs. British

Differing in the rules on the usage of quotation marks, American English reserve double quotation marks (“ ”) for quotes and single quotation marks for quotes within quotes. In British English, this rule is exactly the opposite. Another distinction is that in American English, other punctuations, like periods and commas, are placed before the closing quotation marks.

Again, in British English, it is the opposite: other punctuations are placed after the closing quotation marks. It is important to remember that this article addresses the rules for using quotation marks as per American English.

Dialogue

When writing dialogues, it can get confusing when trying to place other punctuations near quotation marks.

When a dialogue contains a declarative statement, place the period before the closing quotation mark. Treating it separately, ensure the phrase inside quotation marks contain its own accurate punctuation. If the quoted phrase is a complete sentence, begin it with a capital letter even if it is part of a larger sentence.

Example: Sarah said, “I am going to study.”

When a dialogue contains an exclamatory statement, place the exclamation mark before the closing quotation mark.

Example: Nick cried, “Sarah, wait for me!”

If a dialogue contains a declarative statement that ends with a dialogue tag, the period turns into a comma and should be placed before the closing quotation mark.

Example: “Nick, I’m sorry but I prefer to study alone,” replied Sarah.

As with exclamation marks, if a dialogue contains an interrogative sentence, placed the question mark before the closing quotation mark.

Example: Nick pleaded, “Oh no! Let me come with you, please?”

In some situations, due to the conversational context, dialogue tags are omitted when it’s clear who the speaker is.

Example: “Alright, fine. Meet me at that library in the evening.”

When dialogue tags are located in the middle of a dialogue, the comma is placed before the first closing quotation mark and immediately after the dialog tag (which is before the second opening quotation mark.) Also, when there is a quote within a quote, use single quotation marks for the inner quote and double quotation marks for the outer quote.

Example: “Thanks,” said Nick before asking, “What do you mean by ‘that library’: the school library or the public library?”

The last two examples of dialogues omit dialogue tags as it is clear who the speaker is.

Non-Dialogue Quotations

When writing nonfiction or academic papers, you will need to quote people without writing it like a dialogue. While the rules are the same regarding the placement of other punctuations with quotation marks, the sentences should be carefully constructed to ensure the quoted words are written with grammatical accuracy.

A common problem is to suddenly switch from the third person to the first person in the middle of a quote. It is essential to maintain consistent tenses and point of view when changing from sentence to quote.

Example: Adam prides on his cooking skills and wants to “become the greatest chef in the world.”

                Ava is an ambitious individual who “always dreams big.”

Scare Quotes

To imply usage of a term in an unconventional manner or to imply disapproval, enclose the phrase or word in scare quotes or shudder quotes. Scare quotes are basically quotation marks that are used this way. While commonly used this way, scare quotes should never be used to add emphasis or significance of a particular phrase or word.

A common problem when using scare quotes is to overuse them. This not only undermines the power of scare quotes but also makes the document annoying to read. It’s best to avoid using scare quotes when writing for an audience that is unfamiliar with the subject. In such situations, focus on explaining the meanings and intricacies behind the terms.

Example: The hotel provided a lot of “amenities” for their patrons. 

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Uses of Question Marks

Question marks are used to punctuate and end interrogative sentences. Direct questions are commonly introduced with who, what, when, where or why. However, every question isn’t framed as a direct question. Sometimes, declarative or imperative sentences can be framed as a question by adding a question mark to signify surprise, doubt, or disbelief.

Example: I’m sorry, who are you?

                You want to drop out of school and become a comedian?

Question Marks with Quotation Marks

While placing a question mark at the end of an interrogative sentence is simple enough, it can get confusing when it is placed near other punctuations.

If the question mark belongs only to a phrase inside quotation marks, it should be placed inside the quotations. If the question mark pertains to the whole sentence, place it at the end of the sentence.

Example: Ben asked, “what are you doing?”

                Don’t you want to finish studying “from your notes”?

If a quoted phrase contains a question and the whole sentence is also a question, place the question mark at the end of the sentence. The same holds true if a quotation containing a question. If there is a quoted phrase inside an interrogative sentence, use only one question mark.  

Example: She blankly stated, “the CEO yelled at him for ‘doing a poor job’ on the project.”

                “Why did you ‘do a poor job’ on this important project”?

Question Marks and Parentheses

Similar to the rules regarding quotation marks, place the question mark at the end of the sentence if the whole sentence is interrogative in nature. However, if only the parenthetical phrase is a question, place the question mark within parentheses.

Example: How did Ben climb the wall (without getting hurt)?

                I heard that Ben climbed a wall (and didn’t get hurt?).

Question Marks for Indirect Questions

One type of question that shouldn’t end in a question mark is an indirect question. Placed within declarative sentences, it can be hard to decide if a sentence is an indirect question or a direct question. However, in such situations, it’s acceptable to treat it as an indirect question.

Example:  Ben wondered which wall he should try to climb.

                  Everyone pondered why Ben was so interested in climbing a wall.

More Than a Question Mark

There are times when a simple question mark just doesn’t seem to be enough. Especially for questions with an undertone of surprise and excitement, it is common to see the use of interrobangs. A mix of question marks and exclamation points, interrobangs should only be used in informal or casual writing. When writing, if you want to inject enthusiasm into a question without using interrobangs, rewrite the question to avoid its use.

Example: Did you know? Ben successfully climbed that wall and won the competition!

                 Ben successfully climbed that wall and won the competition!?

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Example: I would love to go on a hike.

                Don’t forget to bring back my book tomorrow.

Periods and Quotation Marks

Confusion usually arises when a period needs to be placed next to another punctuation. In American English, at the end of a sentence, the period is placed inside the closing quotation mark.

Example: My mom always said, “Never give up on your dreams.”

Periods and Parentheses

The period should be placed inside the closing parenthesis if the sentence inside the parenthesis is complete and independent. However, the period should be placed outside the parentheses if the parenthetical sentence is part of the entire sentence.

Example: The drama club has been canceled by the college. (It’s a pity as I was just starting to like it.)

                The college has decided to cancel the drama club (my favorite).   

Periods and Ellipses

Having two main uses, an ellipsis (plural: ellipses) are written as three dots in a row. The first use is to denote omission from parts of a quote to ensure clarity. The second use is for literary effects that denote dramatic pauses and sentences that trail off. Also called suspension points, while ellipses shouldn’t be used in formal or academic writing, it can be used in informal or creative writing.

Example:  It’s fine if… you want to leave the house.

                 My dad always says “you shouldn’t treat people badly… treat them the way you want to be treated.”

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Also known as square brackets, brackets are often used to indicate the addition of extra words in a direct quotation. This is necessary to bring clarity or context when quoting a person or document. If a direct quote is changed, it’s vital to use brackets to avoid a misquoting the person or document.

Example: Johnny left the room (to get himself a snack).

                Adrianne cried “Johnny didn’t tell me that he was going to do it [leave the room].”

Parentheses, Brackets and Other Punctuations

Parentheses, brackets and the words within them should be treated as separate elements that are not part of the sentence. So, if the parentheses or brackets are removed, the sentence should still be understandable and complete.

If they pertain only to the phrase inside parentheses, other punctuations like periods, question marks and exclamation marks should be placed inside the parenthesis. If they belong to the whole sentence, place the appropriate punctuation at the end of the sentence. Remember to never place a comma right before a closing parenthesis.

Example: Do you know what my daughter (Anna) has done?

                 Ben climbed the wall (with a rope?) to win the prize.

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