exclamation point
exclamation point — noun
1. The written symbol (!) placed at the end of a sentence to show strong feelings s
The written symbol (!) placed at the end of a sentence to show strong feelings such as excitement, surprise, anger, or a loud command.
Wei ended his text message with three exclamation points to show how excited he was.
use + exclamation points + to show emotion
The teacher's note on Ananya's essay read, 'Use fewer exclamation points in formal writing.'
A red exclamation point on the dashboard sign meant something was wrong with the car.
Emma's birthday card from her grandmother had an exclamation point after every sentence.
A zoo sign with a red exclamation point read, 'Do not feed the animals!'
- exclamation mark
British English term for the same symbol (!)
- full stop
period (.) — the punctuation for neutral, unemotional statements
文法句型
exclamation point + verb (singular)
at the end of + noun phrase
用法筆記
This symbol is called 'exclamation mark' in British English. In formal or academic writing, limit yourself to one exclamation point per paragraph — multiple marks can look unprofessional.
常見錯誤
2. Something that creates a striking or memorable effect — often the final or most
Something that creates a striking or memorable effect — often the final or most impressive detail that makes an event, performance, or achievement particularly powerful.
The concert's final fireworks were a perfect exclamation point on a fantastic evening.
exclamation point on [event] — figurative
Kofi's final-minute goal added an exclamation point to the exciting match.
add an exclamation point to [event]
Elena's surprise dance at the wedding reception was the exclamation point everyone talked about.
A helicopter ride over the mountains became the exclamation point of the Okonkwo family vacation.
- highlight
focuses on the best part; less dramatic and more neutral
- climax
suggests the highest point of intensity in a sequence
- crowning touch
emphasizes that the detail completes something already impressive
- anticlimax
a disappointing end that fails to match what came before
文法句型
[event/detail] + be the exclamation point + on [event]
用法筆記
Used metaphorically, often in journalism, reviews, and casual conversation about events. The object of the preposition is typically a positive occasion (concert, match, vacation, ceremony).