感嘆符の使い方

When to Use an Exclamation Mark When to Use an Exclamation Mark Using Exclamation Marks home ▸ sitemap ▸ A-Z grammar terms ▸ when to use an exclamation mark An exclamation mark (!) indicates a sudden order, intensity of emotion (e.g., surprise, anger, joy), or volume. Table of Contents The Three Uses of Exclamation Marks (1) Exclamation Mark Ending An Exclamatory Sentence (2) Exclamation Mark Ending An Imperative Sentence (3) Exclamation Mark Ending An Interjection Why Exclamation Marks Are Important Multi-choice Test The Three Uses of Exclamation Marks An exclamation mark is used to end an exclamatory sentence , an imperative sentences , or an interjections . (1) Exclamation Mark Ending An Exclamatory Sentence An exclamatory sentence conveys excitement or emotion. It ends with an exclamation mark. For example: You're late! It's a pike! (2) Exclamation Mark Ending An Imperative Sentence An imperative sentence issues an order. It will end in an exclamation mark to show forcefulness. For example: Get out! Take the dog out the kitchen this instant! Please leave. (This is an imperative sentence, but it does not end with an exclamation mark because the order is not forceful.) (3) Exclamation Mark Ending An Interjection Interjections are words used to express feeling or sudden emotion. They can be standalone or as part of a sentence (usually at the start). An interjection can end in an exclamation mark to express a strong feeling or emotion. For example: Jeepers! That was close! (This is an interjection (shaded) followed by an exclamatory sentence.) Overweight people now outnumber average people in America. Last month you were fat. Now you're average. Yay! Let's get a pizza! (Comedian Jay Leno) (This is an interjection (shaded) followed by an imperative sentence that also expresses joy.) Why Exclamation Marks Are Important There are two noteworthy points related to exclamation marks: (Point 1) Avoid exclamation marks in formal correspondence. Exclamation marks have their place in fiction writing, verse, advertisements, signage, texts, and informal emails, but – as a rule – they're not well suited to business correspondence. There are, of course, dozens of business scenarios when an exclamation mark would be appropriate, but stay mindful that exclamation marks are considered a bit crass. In business correspondence, try to use your power of expression to avoid them. A downside with exclamation marks is they don't come with an explanation of what they're for (e.g., emotion, forcefulness, importance) or an indication of how strong they are, which leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation. Please pay the invoice within 28 days of receipt! (That's a pretty risky exclamation mark, if you ask me.) (Point 2) Don't use more than one exclamation mark. If it's appropriate to use an exclamation mark, then do. But don't use two (!!) or more (!!!) unless you're texting your mates. Using two or more is the social equivalent of laughing at your own jokes and, in anything even slightly formal, will probably be taken as rude or juvenile. Five exclamation marks: the sure sign of an insane mind. (Author Terry Pratchett) Key Points Although it might be efficient, an exclamation mark could be considered indelicate or misinterpreted. Avoid exclamation marks in business writing or use with caution. Avoid "!!" and definitely avoid "!!!". This page was written by Craig Shrives . You might also like... What are the types of sentences? What is punctuation? What is an exclamatory sentence? What is an imperative sentence? What are interjections? the top 10 interjections in English Help us improve... Was something wrong? please tell us Use #gm to find us quicker . more info... share copy Create a QR code. create QR teachers' zone play: match the pairs (parts of speech) hundreds more games and tests read: parts-of-speech lists Multi-choice Test This test is printable and sendable expand to full page show as slides send as homework print as handout