How to Use an Exclamation Point

The often overused exclamation point can add punch to a sentence when used judiciously.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dictionaries
• Notebook Papers
• Pens

1. Use an exclamation point after a sentence expressing strong feeling. For example, "I can't believe you did that!"

2. You can also place an exclamation point at the end of a forceful command, such as, "Come here right now!"

3. Place exclamation points at the end of a sentence rather than in the middle. Thus, "Hooray, we won!" rather than, "Hooray! we won."

4. Place the exclamation point inside quotation marks only if it's part of the quotation. Otherwise, it goes outside the quotation marks. For example, "She shouted, 'Help me, please!'"

Tips & Warnings

• Use exclamation points sparingly, and never use more than one in a single sentence. No one wants to read sentences like this!!!