Exclamation Mark

Exclamation marks are used in exclamatory sentences, and sometimes in imperative sentences.

Avoid using exclamation marks in formal writing. Formal writing is considered a means of communicating information, and is kept rather boring so that communication is not interrupted in any way. Exclamation marks impart an excitement which may distract the reader from the information. Generally, exclamation marks are not used in formal writing as they are seen to concentrate on the emotion rather than the information. Use of an exclamation mark might also imply a lack of professionalism on the writer’s part.

If you’re writing informally or creatively, an exclamation mark can be even more effective than words when implying tone.

Global warming will be the downfall of mankind!

The author believes her editor to be entirely in the wrong!

Careful! It’s hot!

I said, clean your room!

Yay! Exams are finished, and I’m free!