Hey!!! The exclamation point is one of the most common, yet frankly overused symbols in modern language. This familiar punctuation mark primarily denotes emphasis, or can be used as a warning if it’s written on its own! An early version of the symbol originated during the Middle Ages (!) and over time, this simple punctuation mark has blossomed into the popular symbol used today!!!!!
As the previous paragraph demonstrates, however, it’s easy to go overboard with exclamation points. They should be used far more sparingly than they are — even professional writers are guilty of an overly excited text!!! Sure, there are times when it’s appropriate to use one, but overindulging will cause the exclamation point to lose its punch. If you feel like you’ve been overusing exclamation points when texting or posting on social media, perhaps it’s time for a detox. Here’s how to cut back and use them in a more reasonable manner.
To understand when to use an exclamation point, let’s first review when not to use them. As a basic rule of thumb, if you’re writing a work email, a job application, a condolence card, or any similarly serious correspondence, you should eschew them altogether. Exclamation points detract from the serious and professional nature of any setting. Let’s look at two examples — “I’m sorry for your loss.” vs. “I’m sorry for your loss!” Using a period conveys an aptly somber feeling, while an exclamation point diminishes the situation and makes it feel almost goofy or celebratory.
In general, it’s best to use exclamation points extremely sparingly. That being said, they are useful for conveying legitimate feelings of shock and awe. If you’re writing out a “Wow!” or “No!” then it’s perfectly OK to use an exclamation point for emphasis. And if you’ve managed to corral your exclamation point usage, that single punctuation mark will deliver the bang you need it to.
