Keep in mind that exclamation points can be overused. When you write an email that is full of exclamation points, people might think that you are shouting, overexcited, or even insincerely excited.
When you write anything, you must keep in mind how important the end punctuation is because it affects the reader's comprehensionThe ability to understand a subject, reading, or idea. of what you write. For example, if you are asking a question, but you do not use a question mark, the reader may not know if you want him or her to respond or if you are just making a statement that sounds like a question. Additionally, if you write a question but do not use a question mark, the reader may not think you are credibleDescribes a person who is trusted and able to be believed; reliable. because of the mistake you made. Making mistakes like this will cause others to judge your abilities not only in writing, but in other areas, as well. It could mean the difference between you being selected for a job or someone else being selected who is less qualified but able to write more clearly.
Look at the following sentences and think about which end punctuation mark is the appropriate choice for ending the sentence and why.
1. I have always wanted to be a police officer
In this sentence, you can see that the writer is making a statement. In doing so, the writer is providing some information but is not asking the reader to respond to that information in any particular way. In this case a period (.) is the appropriate ending. Depending on the context, the writer may also be very excited in telling this story; if so, an exclamation point (!) would be a suitable ending.
Answer: I have always wanted to be a police officer.
Alternative Answer: I have always wanted to be a police officer!
2. Would I enjoy this career
In this sentence, the writer is asking a question, and by doing so, is bringing the reader into the passageA short portion of a writing taken from a larger source, such as a book, article, speech, or poem. and asking him or her to consider an answer. Here, the writer should use a question mark (?) to clearly show the reader this is a question and not a statement. This keeps the reader from needing to read multiple times to decipherTo figure out something confusing or complicated. what the writer is trying to express. It is important to note that when a writer includes a question, the reader can usually expect the writer to provide an answer to that question soon.
Answer: Would I enjoy this career?
3. Last week, I received a letter saying that I was accepted into the Police Academy
In this sentence, the writer wants the reader to feel excited that the subject of the sentence was accepted into the Police Academy and would soon achieve her dream of being a police officer. Using an exclamation point (!) at the end would help the reader understand this. The writer could use a period, but that would change the meaning and the reader's experience with the sentence. A period provides a much calmer ending to the sentence, whereas an exclamation point provides more excitement.
Answer: Last week, I received a letter saying that I was accepted into the Police Academy!
Alternative Answer: Last week, I received a letter saying that I was accepted into the Police Academy.
Now it is your turn to determine whether the sentences below should use a period, question mark, or exclamation point. As you choose the end punctuation, also note why that is the best choice.
- Have you ever thought about what you wanted to do for your career
Question mark (?). The writer is asking the reader a question.
- Many new college students find themselves thinking about this very topic
Period (.). The writer is making a statement.
- You may be surprised to learn that some students change their minds many times before they graduate from college
Exclamation point (!). The writer wants the reader to be surprised. Also: Period (.) The writer may also be making a statement of fact.
- A popular career choice is teaching
Period (.). The writer is making a statement.
- Why do so many students think about becoming teachers
Question mark (?). The writer is asking the reader a question.
- They may choose teaching because they have been students most of their lives and are familiar with it
Period (.). The writer is making a statement.
- However, the majority of students entering college have no idea what career they would like to pursue
Exclamation point (!). The writer wants the reader to be surprised. Also: Period (.) The writer may also be making a statement of fact.
- In this case, the students often begin taking classes and hope one speaks to their interests
Period (.). The writer is making a statement.
- All new college students must take general education courses
Period (.). The writer is making a statement of fact.
- Now the question becomes: what is the best career for you
Question mark (?). The writer is asking the reader a question.
Periods are not always used in text messages, but question marks and exclamation points often are. Why do people use those more than periods?
Text messages are brief and full of shortcuts, so periods are often left off because it is assumed that the statement is complete once the message is sent. Question marks and exclamation points are not left off when the message may be mistaken as a simple statement rather than a question or surprising/surprised response.
When is it a good idea to use an exclamation point instead of a period?
You should only use the exclamation point when you want to grab the reader’s attention. If you use it too much, your reader will not know what is really important. In a way, the reader will become desensitized to it, meaning it will lose its effect.
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