When we get amazed or we wonder looking at something we have never expected before, then this tiny exclamation mark(!) helps us convey our joyous mood or surprising state to others. Up to this, it's all right because most of us are aware of the rule and its usage but when it starts being used in different sentences, then the feeling or emotion or simply the intention embedded in that sentence become a bit difficult to predict, at leat for the learners like me who only use it when get amazed! But as I am in a language hub surrounded by the native speakers and other proficient learners, I have to learn every time I come across something new. So I started using "!" also in other sentences and phrases. But as a learner, a curious mind never accepts a new thing if it is acquainted doing "something" unless it is told and get satisfied by the explanation to that great question, "WHY":)
So here are some of the sentences and phrases that I came across that are completely Okay with this tiny exclamation mark.
Good morning!
Thanks!
Great!
Enjoy!
You're welcome!
You're right!
I think so!
Call me back, please!
You too!
Have a great day!
Time to get off Twitter and get to work!
So my question is, in what sense we are using the exclamation here in these sentences and phrases? I don't think there is anything surprising happening here. So, is it to make what we are expressing "more pronounced" or to "emphasise" something or showing our higher level of emotion?
I will be glad to know if you will share your perspective that why exactly you use it and if there is anything more you want me to know then that would be highly appreciated.
**Another query if you would like to address: What is the use of multiple punctuations if one is enough to anchor the sentence"????" What more it predicts if we go for multiple punctuations? Please share your views to the best of your experience.
Thank you:)
I have two simple comments.
The examples that you posted correctly use the exclamation mark.
In most cases IMHO they almost resemble a smily face :). The exclamation mark shows a happy or sincere emotion.
I have often read, and completely agree that multiple punctuation marks are simply incorrect and should not be used that way.
I often seen ?????? and !!!!!!!.
There was a time when I used multiple punctuation marks, but after reading several intelligent articles on this topic, I stopped that bad habit... It's true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good discussion Sudeep...
For me, the use of ¨!¨ in the examples has about the same meaning as when people put a little smiley face in texts after what they wrote. I read it as just a suggestion of positive emotion, not really anything too powerful, but something to suggest enthusiasm or eagerness.
The multiple question mark practice also is common in texts. I think it is intended to convey confusion, more than a simple request for information. I personally do not think it is needed in hardly any situation, but I think both of these things are used by people to try to add a suggestion of emotion by just using the regular keys of a keyboard instead of emoticons.
Good morning, Sudeep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have used all of these bad habits in the past (and present) - what was I thinking???!!!!!
In truth, I use these only with my friends, in writing. I don't use them in any formal writing, or with anyone who is not a friend. I consider this written language as very casual. I can substitute an emoticon for some of these expressions, but sometimes I use both. :)
Also, because I have always greeted others enthusiastically in person, I do the same in writing. If my greeting does not contain an exclamation mark, then I have no enthusiasm. Here are some comparisons below. I am more likely to use the 3rd or 5th one with a friend. :)
Hi Sudeep.
Hi Sudeep. :)
Hi Sudeep!
Hi Sudeep! :)
Hi Sudeep!! :)
We use ?! combination in Russian. It is this combination that conveys surprise in our punctuation.
"!" is used to show feelings implied. It's written speech and you don't hear the person say things. But if a person feels tired or sad he will never say "Hello!". It'll be "Hello." (which is neutral), "Hello..." or even "hm... Hello..." making you understand that you should either go your way or try to comfort the person. The same way "Great!" is really great and "Great..." can mean anything. The "!" helps us to imagine the way the person pronounces the words and the way he feels at teh time.
