Grammar: A2 - ✨ Grammar Essentials: ✏️ Writing Mechanics - Expanding - Lesson 1: Punctuation: Exclamation Mark (!) for strong feelings/surprise

Writing Mechanics: The Exclamation Mark

B1 Lesson 1: Showing Strong Emotion and Urgency

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will understand how and when to use an exclamation mark (!) to show strong emotion, surprise, or to give a command.

When to Use an Exclamation Mark (!)

We use a full stop ( . ) for normal statements and a question mark ( ? ) for questions. The exclamation mark is used to add power, excitement, or urgency to a sentence.

🎉 To Show Strong Feelings

Use it for excitement, happiness, anger, or any strong emotion.

• I'm so happy to be in Siem Reap!
• We passed our exam!

😮 To Show Surprise

Use it when something is unexpected or amazing.

• What a beautiful temple!
• I can't believe how big Angkor Wat is!

⚠️ To Give a Command or Warning

Use it to make a command stronger or to warn of danger.

• Stop!
• Watch out for the moto!

Important Rule: Don't Use Too Many!

Using too many exclamation marks can look unprofessional or too informal in business or academic writing. Save them for when you really want to show a strong feeling.

Too much: I went to the market! It was so busy! I bought a lot of fruit!

Better: I went to the market. It was so busy! I bought a lot of fruit.

Practice Your Punctuation 🎯

Exercise: Choose the Correct Punctuation

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

1. Wow, that sunset is amazing___
   → !
2. My hotel is on Sivutha Boulevard___
   → .
3. I'm so excited about my trip tomorrow___
   → !
4. He is a tuk-tuk driver___
   → .
5. Help! I'm lost___
   → !

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write with Emotion

Write three sentences about your experiences in Cambodia. Use an exclamation mark in each sentence to show a strong feeling like happiness, surprise, or excitement.

Example: This is the most delicious amok I have ever eaten!

Key Vocabulary

• Exclamation Mark (Noun) | សញ្ញាឧទាន
  The punctuation mark ( ! ) used to show strong emotion or surprise.
• Emotion (Noun) | អារម្មណ៍
  A strong feeling such as love, anger, or happiness.
• Warning (Noun) | ការព្រមាន
  A statement that tells you about a possible danger or problem.
• Formal Writing (Phrase) | ការសរសេរផ្លូវការ
  Writing for serious or official purposes, like for a business or a university.