A GUIDE TO PUNCTUATION - EXCLAMATION MARKS

Exclamation Marks - When & How to Use Them Properly

If you’re wondering what one of the most controversial pieces of punctuation is, allow me to introduce you to the exclamation mark (!).

Given below are its uses:

1. Using exclamation marks for emphasis

Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first: an exclamation mark is used to show an abundance of emotion or tone in the sentence it finishes.

Example:

‍“No! We don’t want to go to the party!”

“That news story made me so angry!”

2. Using exclamation marks in dialogue

Exclamation marks can be used in dialogue in conjunction with a dialogue tag. Just like a question mark, you do not capitalize the first word in the dialogue tag if it isn’t a proper noun.

Example:

“I’m not going for a date with a guy like that!” shouted her best friend from the next room."

3.Limit your use of exclamation marks

Now let’s talk less technical and more stylistic. As a writer, your style and tone are ultimately up to you. That being said, exclamation marks are often overused by newer writers.

Use this punctuation sparingly.

One of the best rules of writing is to show, not tell. Use an active voice, not a passive one. When you use an exclamation mark, you are essentially telling the reader how they should read or feel about what you wrote.

In professional writing, like in a book or short story, avoid using more than one exclamation mark (don’t do this!!) and don’t combine it with a question mark (because who really wants to read like this?! And, while not an exclamation mark, do you ever want to read a sentence like this???). Most of all, just don’t overdo it.

I hope this helped you understand the concept of exclamation marks better, stay tuned for a guide to periods/full stops!