Exclamation Mark

Called "exclamation point" in American English

An exclamation mark usually shows strong feeling, such as surprise, anger or joy. Using an exclamation mark when writing is rather like shouting or raising your voice when speaking. Exclamation marks are most commonly used in writing quoted speech. You should avoid using exclamation marks in formal writing, unless absolutely necessary.

1. Use an exclamation mark to indicate strong feelings or a raised voice in speech:

• She shouted at him, "Go away! I hate you!"
• He exclaimed: "What a fantastic house you have!"
• "Good heavens!" he said, "Is that true?"
• "Help!"
• "Shut up!"
• "Stop!"

2. Many interjections need an exclamation mark:

• "Hi! What's new?"
• "Oh! When are you going?"
• "Ouch! That hurt."

3. A non-question sentence beginning with "what" or "how" is often an exclamation and requires an exclamation mark:

• What idiots we are! (We are such idiots.)
• How pretty she looked in that dress! (She looked very pretty in that dress.)

4. 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!!!!

Remember, try to avoid exclamation marks in formal writing such as an essay or business letter.