THE EXCLAMATION POINT
Exclamation Point: From Old FrenchExclamer; from Latin
exclamare, to call out, exclaim
The exclamation point is like a flash of lighting in a dark sky. It cries out, calls out for attention, and emphasizes. But it should be used Sparingly. Many amateur writers lean on the exclamation point to do all the work of lending umportance to their work, when words themselves should bear the brunt of the work.
An exclamation point will not addverve or elan to colorless and boring prose. A good rule to follow is never to use an exclamation point when another mark of punctuation will do. Closely adhered to, this rule will keep you from sprinkling your words with "gushy" phrases and marks and lend the judiciously used exclamation point it's proper importance.
The exclamation point is legitimately used to express strong emotion:
I hate it!
He's disgusting!
What a nasty thing to say!
What an idiot you are!
The exclamation point is used to command:
Do it at once!
Get moving now, just as fast as you can!
Don't touch me again!
Get out of my way!
The exclamation mark can be used to express irony or sarcasm:
"what a beautiful day!" she excaimed as she opened her umbrella.
"So what!" he exclaimed.
Since our labor board's negotiations went so smoothly, we'll have to call a general strike!
Note: Do not overuse the exclamation mark to express sarcasm. It is always obtrusive, and its overuse becomes labored. Use it occasionally, always bearing in mind that the words you choose to express your point should bear the main weight of the message.
An exclamation point is often used after strong interjections:
Ole! Encore!
Bravo! Hooray!
Hurrah! Wow!
Mild interjections such as drat, ouch, oh, so, indeed, or well can usually be followed by a comma,depending upon the degree of emotion you wish to convey.
This post is dedacated to all the people that use the mark at least one dozen times in their post's
All info is derived from Webster's NewWorld Guide To Punctuation.
posted by Yamhill @ 7:02 PM
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