The exclamation mark (British English and American English)) or exclamation point (American English) is a punctuation mark usually used after an interjection or exclamation to indicate strong feelings or high volume (shouting), or to show emphasis, and often marks the end of a sentence, for example: "Watch out!" Similarly, a bare exclamation mark (with nothing before or after) is often used in warning signs.
The exclamation mark is used after exclamations and emphatic expressions.
- I can’t believe it!
- Oh, no! Look at this mess!
EXAMPLES
- Help! Help!
- That's unbelievable!
- Get out!
- Look out!
You can also use exclamation marks to mark a phrase as humourous, ironic or sarcastic.
EXAMPLES
- What a lovely day! (when it obviously is not a lovely day)
- That was clever! (when someone has done something stupid)
In very informal writing styles (SMS, chat, Twitter or Facebook, etc.), an exclamation mark is sometimes combined with a question mark to indicate both surprise and slight uncertainty. Double and triple exclamation marks are common in very informal writing styles, but are a sign of being uneducated in less casual correspondance.
EXAMPLES OF CASUAL WRITING
- He's getting married!?
- That's insane!!!
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