Exclamation

mark
Presented by
Viktoriia Deresh
Ivan Kudashov
Sofia Nychyk
Nadiia Popchuk
 What is the exclamation
mark?
The exclamation mark, also called an
exclamation point in American English, is a
punctuation mark that goes at the end of The Collins Dictionary defines an exclamation mark
exclamatory sentences and with interjections. as “the sign ! which is used in writing to show that a
It’s less common than the period or question
word, phrase, or sentence is an exclamation.”
mark, but it’s very easy to use.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, an exclamation mark is defined as “a mark ! used
exclamation mark is defined as “the mark ( ! ) that is especially after an interjection or exclamation to
written after an exclamation”, and according to the indicate forceful utterance or strong feeling.”
Cambridge Dictionary, an exclamation mark is
defined as “the symbol ! written immediately after
an exclamation.”
Why use an exclamation mark in a
sentence?
Like question marks are used at the end of interrogative
sentences and full stops at the end of declarative
sentences and imperative sentences, exclamation marks
are used at the end of exclamatory sentences. As
exclamatory sentences express sudden and strong
emotions and feelings, an exclamation mark signifies or
represents the employment of strong emotion or feeling
in the sentence. You can also use exclamation marks at
the end of phrases and individual words that express a
strong feeling.
 Rules
Exclamatory quotations
Using an exclamation point is usually quite simple—you
just put it at the end of the sentence. But it can get a little
Exclamation points and parentheses
tricky when you also have a quotation mark at the end of
Put the exclamation point inside the parentheses
the sentence. Here are the rules:
when it applies to the words inside the parentheses.
[Jeremy didn’t find out until later what kind of spider it
Put the exclamation point inside the closing quotation
was (a black widow!).]
marks if it applies to the words enclosed by the quotation
marks. (“There’s a spider on my arm!” yelped Jeremy.)
Put the exclamation point outside the parentheses if it
If the exclamation point applies to the sentence as a applies to the whole sentence. [They settled out of
whole, then place it at the very end. (And then the court and Jeremy got a million dollars (cash)!]
paramedics tried to tell Jeremy it was “only a spider”!)
Using exclamation points and parentheses this way is
relatively rare.
 If you are wondering about using exclamation marks in
professional or academic writing, hold on. There is
something you should know. Exclamation marks are meant
to be used in informal writing. If you are thinking how some
serious and strong thoughts can be conveyed in academic
writing, here is what you can do. When writing for
academic purposes, you should choose the right
vocabulary that will express what you want to convey. For
instance, instead of saying that something is ‘really
important’, use words like ‘vital’, ‘crucial’ and ‘essential’ to
convey the seriousness of the particular activity. Instead
of “Make sure you finish this by tomorrow morning!” try
“It’s crucial that you finish this before tomorrow morning’s
deadline.”

Take a look at the following examples to have a much

clearer understanding of the usage of exclamation marks in
sentences.
 Examples
Using an Exclamation Mark in Exclamatory Sentences:
How careless can you be!
Using an Exclamation Mark in Direct Speech:
What an amazing life!
Sam said, “I love this movie!”
That is really wonderful!
What nerve she has to say, “You are rude”!
The team shouted together, “Whoa! We finally did it.”

Using an Exclamation Mark at the End of an

Interjection: Using an Exclamation Mark at the
Wow! That is great news. End of Phrases/Individual Words:
Oh! I am so sorry. Careful! Will you?
Alas! That is really bad. What are you going to do What a day!
about it? Get out! You have pulled the last
straw.
In very informal writing (personal letter
or email), people sometimes use two or
more exclamation marks together:
I met John yesterday. He is so
handsome!!!
Remember, don't be late!!
I'll never understand this language!!!!
How to Use an Exclamation Mark With a Question Mark

Even though using more than one end mark is frowned upon in
formal writing scenarios, you can use both a quotation mark
and an exclamation mark together to end a sentence. If you
are unsure whether the exclamation marks go before or after
the question mark, consider the purpose of their uses.
Technically, you are asking a question, so your question mark
should go first, followed by the exclamation mark to add
emphasis.

Are you sure you want to take that tone of voice with me?!
 True or False?
1. "Wow! That was an amazing performance!"
2. "Please submit the reports by tomorrow!"
3. "I can't wait to see you again!"
4. "She quietly entered the room!"
5. "Thank you for the gift!"
6. "He whispered to her secretly!"
7. "I have to go to the bank today!"
8. "They won the championship!"
9. "It’s just a regular day at work!"
 Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Exclamation Point Use

Can an Exclamation Point Mean I’m Yelling?

Can I Use an Exclamation Mark After
Exclamation points can ‌show strong Good Morning or Other Greetings?
emotions, such as joy, surprise, fear, or anger.
Its use can create the impression of yelling Feel free to use exclamation points
when placed with specific interjections or at after greetings to express your
the end of strongly-worded sentences and emotions concerning the person you
phrases. are addressing. In this use, it suggests
joy or surprise and generally offers a
positive affirmation.
Is it Rude to Use Exclamation Marks in Emails?
Much of your decision surrounding exclamation
marks used in an email depends on who you
address. It is generally considered acceptable for
informal use towards acquaintances, friends, and
family.
 Exercise
Go through the following sentences and insert exclamation marks
wherever necessary and punctuate the sentences accordingly.

1. Ouch that hurt badly.

2. What a pretty dress.
3. Sarah said, “Wow that is really great.”
4. Sit down.
5. We are fed up with you. Leave now.
6. Hurray. We finally did it.
7. Uh I am not sure I can help you with it.
8. Deepa said, “Ah now I understand.”
9. The teacher lost her temper and shouted, “No more activities for
you.”
10. How wonderful.
 Answers
Now, find out if you used the exclamation marks accurately in the
sentences given below.

1. Ouch! That hurt badly.

2. What a pretty dress!
3. Sarah said, “Wow! That is really great.”
4. Sit down!
5. We are fed up with you. Leave now!
6. Hurray! We finally did it.
7. Uh! I am not sure I can help you with it.
8. Deepa said, “Ah! Now I understand.”
9. The teacher lost her temper and shouted, “No more activities for you!”
10. How wonderful!
Thank you
very much!