Exclamation Point — Meaning, Uses, and Examples
Exclamation point
An exclamation point, also referred to as an exclamation mark, indicates an exclamatory statement, which is a sentence that conveys intense emotion that can be positive or negative.
I was accepted into Harvard!
Get out of my house!
Exclamation points are placed at the end of a sentence and should be followed by a capital letter to begin the next sentence.
Question mark and exclamation point
Unlike an exclamation point, which identifies an exclamatory remark, a question mark identifies an interrogative statement, a sentence that asks a question.
Sometimes writers will combine a question mark with an exclamation point for emphasis and to indicate strong emotions. This type of punctuation is called an interrobang.
What do you mean?!
How did you get up in that tree?!
The question mark is always used first, followed by the exclamation point.
When to use an exclamation mark
When using an exclamation point, the following rules apply:
Direct: Direct statements consist of a complete sentence that illustrates a strong feeling, either positive or negative.
I can't believe I won the lottery!
You need to work harder or else you'll lose your job!
Interjections: An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses a sudden or spontaneous feeling.
Yikes!
Whoops!
No!
Quotations: When using an exclamation point with a direct quote, place the punctuation mark inside the quotes when the quoted material contains the exclamation. Place it outside the closing quotation marks when it applies to the sentence as a whole.
Inside: "Watch out for the deer!" Katie screamed.
Outside: I'm so angry my parents told me to "be home early"!
Parentheses: Like with quotations, place the exclamation mark inside the parentheses when the exclamatory remark falls within them; place the exclamation mark outside the parentheses when the entire sentence is the exclamation.
Inside: Include an exclamation point (not a period!) at the end of the sentence.
Outside: I can't believe Tim (not Kevin) wanted to volunteer!
Informal writing: In general, avoid using exclamation points in formal writing, like academic writing. In informal writing, like a text message or personal letter, writers may use one or more exclamation marks to emphasize their point or indicate shouting.
I love sloths!!
Let’s go!!!
I’ve missed talking to you!
Exclamation mark examples
The following sentences incorporate the correct use of an exclamation point:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Direct Statement | Look at all of the presents!
Don't forget to clean your room! You're grounded! |
| Interjection | Woohoo! Snow day!
Ouch! My foot! Shhh! Be quiet! |
| Quotation | Inside: "Watch out for the ice!" she yelled.
Outside: I can't believe your dad said "yes" to us using his truck! |
| Parentheses | Inside: Tina (without Stacey!) is allowed to go out tonight.
Outside: I just won $1,000 (in McDonald's coupons)! |
| Informal Writing | Hi there!
Wow, that's great! I can't wait to see you! |