To exclaim is to cry out or express a strong feeling. Gosh, that hurt!
An exclamation mark is used at the end of a sentence to show when something is surprising, exciting or even annoying.
Exclamation marks are used when writing dialogue. Notice how the examples below capture ordinary speech.
‘The rain is so heavy the river has burst its banks!’ ‘The view from our hotel is spectacular!’ ‘Somebody, please help me!’ ‘Don’t panic, Alice!’
i Grammar Primer: page 39
Try not to use exclamation marks too often or they will lack impact. You should never use more than one exclamation mark to end your sentence or use one with another punctuation mark.
Understand
1. The end of every sentence in this passage lacks punctuation. Write out the passage, adding a full stop or exclamation mark to the end of each sentence.
It’s so unfair She always gets her own way
Every time she asks for something, you give in When I ask for something, you always say no It’s so obvious that she is your favourite I hate having a sister When she does something wrong, you blame me Sometimes I wish I could swap families I’m fed up with all of you I’m going to my room, don’t disturb me
2. Correctly punctuate the dialogue below.
Quick the dog has escaped
Are you sure I think I saw him in the garden Look There he is
