section 1 the exclamation point pages 13-14 ost164 text editing applications
TRANSCRIPT
Section 1
The Exclamation Point
Pages 13-14
OST164 Text Editing Applications
The Exclamation Point - ¶119
The exclamation point is an
emotional mark of punctuation that is
most often found in sales and
advertising copy. Avoid using it
wherever possible.
The Exclamation Point - ¶119 aUse an exclamation point at the end of a sentence to indicate enthusiasm, surprise, disbelief, urgency, or strong feelings. Leave only 1 space between it and the next sentence.
Yes! We’re selling our entire inventory below costs!
Doors open at 9 a.m.! Let’s roll!
No! I don’t believe that!
When I told Sid what had happened, all he said was, “You’ve got to be kidding!”
The Exclamation Point - ¶119 b-cAn exclamation point may be used in place of a question mark to express strong feeling.How could you do that!
What made you think I’d welcome a call at 2:30 a.m.!
What did I tell you!
The exclamation point may be enclosed in parentheses and place directly after a word that the writer wants to emphasize.
We won exclusive(!) distribution rights in the Western Hemisphere.
The Exclamation Point - ¶120(a) A single word may be followed by an exclamation
point to express intense feelings. The sentence that follows it is capitalized and punctuated as usual. Wow! What a great job.
(b) When a word is repeated for emphasis, an exclamation point should follow each repetition. Going! Going! Our bargains are gone!
(c) When exclamations are mild, a comma or a period is sufficient. Well, well, things could be worse. No. I won’t accept those conditions.