exclamation
B1Neutral to formal (for the linguistic/grammar sense); the act of exclaiming is more common in descriptive/narrative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A sudden, sharp cry or utterance expressing a strong emotion such as surprise, anger, or pain; the punctuation mark '!' used after such an utterance.
In linguistics, an exclamatory sentence; a forceful expression of feeling or rhetorical emphasis. In typography, the symbol '!' itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a countable noun, it refers to the specific utterance or the punctuation mark. The concept is tied to spontaneity and emotional intensity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Brits more commonly say 'exclamation mark'; Americans say 'exclamation point'. The word 'exclamation' itself is used identically in terms of meaning.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/conservative in British usage regarding punctuation advice (e.g., avoiding multiple exclamation marks in formal writing).
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + an exclamation (e.g., utter, give, let out)exclamation + of + [emotion/noun] (e.g., of joy, of pain)[subject] + with an exclamationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “exclamation point on something (AmE: an emphatic finale or emphasis)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in advice about professional writing (e.g., 'Limit exclamation points in business emails.').
Academic
Used in linguistics, literary analysis, and grammar instruction.
Everyday
Common when recounting events or describing reactions (e.g., 'She gave an exclamation of surprise.').
Technical
In grammar: a sentence type; in computing/typography: the character '!'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Goodness!' she exclaimed.
- He exclaimed in disbelief at the news.
American English
- 'Wow!' he exclaimed.
- She exclaimed that it was incredible.
adverb
British English
- 'Never!' she said exclaimingly (archaic/rare).
- He shouted exclamatorily (rare, formal).
American English
- She cried out exclaimingly (rare).
- The line was delivered exclamatorily (technical).
adjective
British English
- His tone was exclamatory.
- It was an exclamatory sentence ending with a mark.
American English
- She used an exclamatory style.
- The exclamatory phrase caught everyone's attention.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She gave a little exclamation of joy.
- The sentence ends with an exclamation mark!
- His sudden exclamation made everyone turn around.
- In English grammar, we learn about questions, statements, and exclamations.
- Muffling an exclamation of pain, he continued working.
- The poet's use of exclamation conveys intense passion.
- The critic's review served as a trenchant exclamation point on the director's troubled career.
- Phonologically, exclamations often have distinctive intonation contours.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EXCLAMation' sounds like 'EXCLAIM!' – which is exactly what it is, a loud, emotional claim or shout.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION IS A FORCE ESCAPING FROM A CONTAINER (the exclamation is the sudden release).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing 'восклицание' in every context; sometimes 'cry' or 'shout' is more natural. Remember, 'exclamation mark' is 'восклицательный знак'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'exclamation' to mean 'explanation' (false friend with some languages). Overusing the plural in contexts like 'He gave several exclamations' – often 'He exclaimed several times' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'exclamation point' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be any sudden utterance, even a whispered 'Oh!' of surprise. It's more about the emotional charge than the volume.
An interjection is a specific word or phrase (e.g., 'Wow!', 'Ouch!') that often stands alone. An exclamation is the broader act or form of expressing strong feeling, which can include interjections or longer sentences.
In formal academic or business writing, use them sparingly. In informal writing (messages, creative writing), they are more acceptable to convey tone.
No, the verb form is 'exclaim'. 'Exclamation' is solely a noun.