2
   

When To Use Exclamation Point

 
 
Reply Tue 14 May, 2013 12:20 pm
Hello, all. I've written a manuscript, but right now I'm going back and trying to get the punctuation correct. In the dialogue, when would it be appropriate to use the exclamation point? If I have the sentence set up like this:

“I don’t have the luxury of calming down!” Chandra hollered back.

Do I have to have an exclamation point, since it's already stating that the character is hollering, or would that be the best time to actually use it?
Here's another example:

“Come in, Grayson! Alec! Emmanuel! Anyone? Please, somebody, answer!"

Could I use all those exclamation points, or is that just considered poor writing? BTW, the character is supposed to be upset.
  • Topic Stats
  • Top Replies
  • Link to this Topic
Type: Question • Score: 2 • Views: 651 • Replies: 3
No top replies

 
dalehileman
 
  1  
Reply Tue 14 May, 2013 12:46 pm
@celebfan,
In the first example, Cel, I'd agree you can do without it

In the second, I like 'em all
0 Replies
 
Kedirech1
 
  2  
Reply Tue 14 May, 2013 12:53 pm
@celebfan,
Given that you have hollered in there. You should most likely include the ! in the first sentence. In the second, it's a matter of how you want the reader to read the line. If you have all the !'s then the reader will most likely stop after each name. So if the character is pausing between each name, then the exclamation marks are fine, if she's running down the list quickly, and only getting exasperated at the end then I'd downgrade them to commas.

Now you always need to worry about overusing a particular mechanic. If your pages are getting filled with them, then maybe consider some different ways to convey her distress.

It's hard to say without looking at the scene as a whole.
0 Replies
 
celebfan
 
  1  
Reply Tue 14 May, 2013 01:03 pm
@celebfan,
Ok, thanks very much guys. I really appreciate it. Smile
0 Replies
 
 

Related Topics

deal - Question by WBYeats
Let pupils abandon spelling rules, says academic - Discussion by Robert Gentel
Please, I need help. - Question by imsak
Is this sentence grammatically correct? - Question by Sydney-Strock
"come from" - Question by mcook
concentrated - Question by WBYeats
 
  1. Forums
  2. » When To Use Exclamation Point
Copyright © 2024 MadLab, LLC :: Terms of Service :: Privacy Policy :: Page generated in 0.13 seconds on 12/05/2024 at 01:45:13