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

✨ Lesson 1: Punctuation: The Exclamation Mark (!)

Welcome to a new series on Writing Mechanics! We already know how to use a full stop ( . ) for statements and a question mark ( ? ) for questions. Today, we will learn about a third important punctuation mark: the exclamation mark¹ ( ! ).

The job of an exclamation mark is to show strong emotion² or surprise³. It adds excitement or urgency to a sentence.

When to Use an Exclamation Mark

Here are the three main reasons to use an exclamation mark.

1. To Show Strong Feelings (like excitement or happiness)

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

2. To Show Surprise

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

3. To Give a Strong Command or Warning⁴

• Stop!
• Be careful on the stairs!
• Watch out!

An Important Rule: Don't Use Too Many!
Using too many exclamation marks can look childish or unprofessional in formal writing⁵ (like for business or school). Use them only 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 Quiz: 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___
   → .

📝 Homework: Write with Emotion

Write three sentences about your experiences. Use an exclamation mark to show a strong feeling in each sentence.

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

---

1: ___________________________________

2: ___________________________________

3: ___________________________________

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Exclamation Mark: (Noun) - សញ្ញាឧទាន (sanhnha' 'utéan) - The punctuation mark ( ! ) used to show strong emotion or surprise. ↩
2. Emotion: (Noun) - អារម្មណ៍ (a'rom) - A strong feeling such as love, anger, or happiness. ↩
3. Surprise: (Noun) - ការភ្ញាក់ផ្អើល (kaa phnheak'ph'ael) - The feeling you have when something unexpected happens. ↩
4. Warning: (Noun) - ការព្រមាន (kaa prɔ'mean) - A statement that tells you about a possible danger or problem. ↩
5. Formal Writing: (Phrase) - ការសរសេរផ្លូវការ (kaa sâr'ser phluv'kaa) - Writing for serious or official purposes, like business or university. ↩