Transcript OST164 Text Editing Applications

OST164
Text Editing Applications
Section 1
The Exclamation Point
Pages 13-14
The Exclamation Point - ¶119
The exclamation point is an
emotional mark of punctuation that is
most often found in sales and
advertising copy. Avoid using it
wherever possible.
The Exclamation Point - ¶119 a
Use an exclamation point at the end of a
sentence to indicate enthusiasm, surprise,
disbelief, urgency, or strong feelings. Leave only
1 space between it and the next sentence.
Yes! We’re selling our entire inventory below
costs!
Doors open at 9 a.m.! Let’s roll!
No! I don’t believe that!
When I told Sid what had happened, all he said
was, “You’ve got to be kidding!”
The Exclamation Point - ¶119 b-c
An exclamation point may be used in place of a
question mark to express strong feeling.
How could you do that!
What made you think I’d welcome a call at 2:30 a.m.!
What did I tell you!
The exclamation point may be enclosed in parentheses
and place directly after a word that the writer wants to
emphasize.
We won exclusive(!) distribution rights in the Western
Hemisphere.
The Exclamation Point - ¶120
(a) A single word may be followed by an
exclamation point to express intense feelings.
The sentence that follows it is capitalized and
punctuated as usual.
Wow! What a great job.
(b) When a word is repeated for emphasis, an
exclamation point should follow each repetition.
Going! Going! Our bargains are gone!
(c) When exclamations are mild, a comma or a
period is sufficient.
Well, well, things could be worse.
No. I won’t accept those conditions.