Writing: Basic Mechanics and Formation (A2) - Lesson 4: Using Exclamation Marks for Simple Exclamations

A2 Lesson 4: Using Exclamation Marks for Simple Exclamations

You know how to use a full stop (.) for statements and a question mark (?) for questions. Today, we will learn the third common way to end a sentence, which is used to show strong emotion¹: the exclamation mark² (!).

A sentence that ends with an exclamation mark is called an exclamation³.

When to Use an Exclamation Mark

You should use an exclamation mark when you want to show a strong feeling, like excitement, surprise, or happiness. Think of it as raising your voice when you speak.

Statement (neutral feeling)	Exclamation (strong feeling)
That is a big dog.	Wow, that's a big dog!
I am happy.	I am so happy!
It is a nice day.	What a nice day!
Be careful.	Be careful! (A strong warning)

When to Use it: Common Situations

To show excitement⁴:

We won the game! It's my birthday tomorrow!

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To show surprise⁵:

I can't believe it! You're here!

A Warning: Don't Use Too Many!

Using too many exclamation marks can look unprofessional or childish. In formal writing (like a business email or a report), you should almost never use them. They are best for informal, friendly writing.

Good: I look forward to the meeting.

Bad: I look forward to the meeting!!!

Final Punctuation Checklist

When you finish a sentence, choose the best punctuation:

• Is it a neutral statement? → Use a full stop (.)
• Is it asking a question? → Use a question mark (?)
• Is it showing strong feeling? → Use an exclamation mark (!)

🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Correct Punctuation

Choose the best punctuation mark (. , ? , or !) for the end of each sentence.

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1. What time does the movie start__

Answer: ? (This is a question.)

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2. That concert was amazing__

Answer: ! (This shows excitement.)

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3. My office is on the second floor__

Answer: . (This is a neutral statement.)

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4. I can't find my keys__ Oh, here they are__

Answer: The first is a statement (.), the second shows surprise (!). "I can't find my keys. Oh, here they are!"

📝 Homework: Show Some Emotion!

Get your notebook and pen to practice using all three end-of-sentence punctuation marks.

Rewrite these sentences, adding the best punctuation mark at the end.

1. Help__ There's a snake in my house__
2. Do you want to get some coffee__
3. I think I will go to bed early tonight__

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Answers:

1. Help! There's a snake in my house!
2. Do you want to get some coffee?
3. I think I will go to bed early tonight.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Emotion / Feeling: (Noun) - អារម្មណ៍ - A strong feeling, such as love, anger, joy, or fear. ↩
2. Exclamation Mark: (Noun) - សញ្ញាឧទាន - The punctuation mark (!) used to show strong feeling. ↩
3. Exclamation: (Noun) - ឧទានសព្ទ - A short sound, word, or phrase spoken suddenly to express emotion. ↩
4. Excitement: (Noun) - ការរំភើប - The feeling of being very happy and enthusiastic. ↩
5. Surprise: (Noun) - ការភ្ញាក់ផ្អើល - An unexpected event, fact, or thing. ↩