italki - Is “！”（exclamatory mark）a sign of being rude? - 2011 12 18 My colleague and I were criticized again

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Dora S

Is “！”（exclamatory mark）a sign of being rude? - 2011 12 18 My colleague and I were criticized again by our picky boss, for using exclamatory mark when writing emails to client. I feel speechless now. Is it really wrong to write :“It was nice seeing you in the exhibition!”or “I wish to see you soon!”? None of my English teachers told so. Cannot I tell friends:“I am so happy today!”? In my opinion, using exclamatory mark means happiness and excitement, doesn’t it? Now I have to be extremely careful when writing emails. But I need to figure out whether exclamatory mark can be a sign of being rude. If yes, how can it happen?

18 dic 2014 06:58

Correzioni · 7

Hi Doraemon,

The exclamation in English isn't considered rude, but it is not appropriate in a business setting or English exam. We normally use an exclamation to when we are emphasising excitement, confusion, anger, etc.

Your boss is correct that it isn't suitable, though to say it is rude is just one of the feelings a native English person will experience.

If you are writing to a friend using your personal email address then feel free to use exclamations if you want, but not in business.

Is the “！”（exclamation mark）a sign of being rude? - 2011 12 18

My colleague and I were criticized again by our picky boss for using exclamation marks when writing emails to a client.

I feel am speechless now.
Is it really wrong to write, “It was nice seeing you in at the exhibition!” or “I wish to see you soon!”?
None of my English teachers told think so.

Cannot Can I not tell say/write to friends, “I am so happy today!”?

In my opinion, using an exclamation mark means happiness and excitement, doesn’t it?

Now I have to be extremely careful when writing emails.
But I need to figure out whether the exclamation mark can be considered a sign of being rudeness.
If yes, how can it happen?

18 dicembre 2014

@Cogito, thank you very much. I don't think I can use it in work emails any more. But I really love exclamation point, it is important I can use it my my personal email.......like a big sign of happiness.

18 dicembre 2014

No, it is not rude, but it is not appropriate. An exclamation point is used to indicate a general raising of the volume of a person's voice, whether it be because they are startled ("oh!"), excited ("happy birthday!"), or angry ("you're such a jerk!"). It is likely because of the last interpretation I mentioned that your boss wants you to avoid using it. My advice is to avoid it as well because businesses want to be represented in a professional manner, so you should use language and punctuation that is approved by management. But as far the informal letters you write on your own time are concerned, put as many exclamation marks as you want. Just keep in mind what its purpose is.

18 dicembre 2014

@ Coligno, thank you very much. This boss is not native speaker, just a picky and super careful one. I feel allergic on using exclamatory mark now after the strict rule, so I decided to ask.

18 dicembre 2014

The use of exclamation marks is not considered rude at all. If anything, they may make your language seem more informal as they tend to be used less in formal writing. I think in the phrases you mention, the exclamation mark is fine and makes what you say sound more friendly and sincere. Is your boss a native English speaker?

18 dicembre 2014

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