Exclamation Mark (!)
The exclamation mark is usually used after an interjection or exclamation to indicate strong feelings or high volume (shouting), and often marks the end of a sentence. For example:
- Watch out!
- Stop!
- Put that down at once!
This punctuation mark enables a writer to choose between strong or soft expression. For example:
- Strong expression: Don’t be noisy please!
- Soft expression: Don’t be noisy please.
Exclamation mark can also be used after a word or a phrase which is suddenly expressed (Greetings, promises, attentions, orders/commands, asking help, mocks, and so on).
Sources:
Cooper, T., Fallas, J., & Flaherty, F. (2011). English Style Guide: Seventh edition. European Commission.
Englishclub.com. (2013). Punctuation. Retrieved from http://www.englishclub.com/writing/punctuation.htm.
Phythian, B. A. (2012). Correct English: Pedoman Belajar Bahasa Inggris. Jakarta : PT. Indeks.
Wikipedia. (2013). Punctuation. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Punctuation.