Using Exclamation Marks

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

When you write, there is a special way to express that there is excitement in your words.

The punctuation you use to show you are excited is called an exclamation mark or an exclamation point (!). There are many ways to use an exclamation mark. Are you ready to learn how to use them? Great!

If you did not try the previous Related Lessons in this Punctuation series, please go to the right-hand sidebar now.

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You can use an exclamation mark to show you are excited about something. For example, “I can't wait to go to the zoo!” This sentence tells you the person speaking is excited to be going to the zoo. Any time you see an exclamation point, try raising your voice to show excitement. Read the sentence below with your excited voice:

She had so much fun on the ride!

You can also use an exclamation point to show you are shouting. If you want to express that you are angry and yelling, an exclamation point will do the trick. You can also use it to show that you are shouting to someone else. For example, "Mary shouted across the field, 'It's time for dinner!'” You can tell Mary is shouting loudly so someone can hear her. Try reading the sentence below with your angry voice:

I am hungry!

An exclamation mark can be used to state a command. For example, “Clean up your room, now!” The statement you just read is a command. Try reading the sentence below in a bossy voice:

John! Come here now!

You can use an exclamation point to tell someone something needs to happen quickly. For example, if you need help as soon as possible you might say, “Help me!” This will let the reader know you are in danger and need help quickly. Try reading the statement below like you are scared:

Help! I'm scared!

There are so many ways to use an exclamation mark. Are you ready to use exclamation marks?

Excellent! Move on to the Got It? section to practice showing expression.