Exclamatory

An exclamatory sentence is not a question, and it does not usually invite a reply. To understand how to use an exclamatory sentence, you need to look closely at the formation of these sentences. Exclamatory sentences are fun to write, and they can do a lot in communicating strong emotions. But they can be tricky because you have to remember not to use them with everything you say. People may start to roll their eyes if every other sentence that comes out of your mouth is exclamatory.

Exclamatory Sentences: Examples

It is important to note that one does not use exclamatory sentences as often as declarative or imperative sentences. We use exclamatory sentences to show strong emotion.

Here are some exclamatory sentence examples:

1. The novel was so boring!
2. I am so excited to go on vacation!

They are used to convey strong emotions such as happiness, anger, and surprise with words such as “wow!” “ouch!” and “yay!” Readers easily identify these sentences as they begin with what, how, or other exclamations such as “Wow! That was close.”

In this type of sentence, the subject comes before the verb. Each sentence uses the exclamation point at its end. That means exclamatory sentences always end with an exclamation mark. 

Here are some more exclamatory sentences examples:

1. That was a close call!
2. What a strange place to live!
3. How beautiful the scenery is here!

In each sentence above, we are expressing a strong reaction. The exclamation mark at the end of an exclamatory sentence is appropriately used.

However, in many cases, we can use the same words in a question:

• What a mess you have made! (Exclamative sentence)

What a mess have you made? (Interrogative sentence)

• How I love you. (Exclamative sentence)

How do I love you? (Interrogative sentence)

• How strange it was! (Exclamative sentence)

How was it strange? (Interrogative sentence)

• It would help if you were hungry. (Declarative sentence)

Aren’t you hungry? (Interrogative sentence)

We can also use the same words in a declarative sentence:

1. What a mess he’s made. (Can be used as a Declarative or exclamatory sentence just by adding an exclamation mark)
2. How they love him! (Can be used as Declarative or exclamatory sentence)

Interrogative Clauses and Exclamations

What is an interrogative clause? 

It is a clause that asks a question. For example:

Who is going to the store? 

In the above sentence, the “who” refers to the subject of the main clause. “Going” refers to the verb of the main clause.

Let us look at some more illustrations:

What a wonderful day! 

Why, this is the best cup of coffee I have ever had!

The above are not questions. The exclamation point is the mark that tells the reader this is an exclamatory sentence. Exclamatory sentences often start with “what” or “how.” In these examples, “how” and “what” are interrogative adverbs.

The other kind of interrogative sentence asks a question — it has a subject and a verb and needs a question mark at the end. The question may be as simple as “What?” or it may be more complex, with several parts: “What will we do if we can’t find anyone to give us directions?”

When you see an interrogative adverb, you have to decide if the sentence is asking a question or making an exclamation based on context and punctuation. The only thing that makes these sentences different from regular exclamatory ones is an interrogative term at the start.

Here are some more examples:

1. How interesting! We should talk about this some more.
2. What a great idea! Shall we get started?

For example, we often use “what” in exclamatory sentences.

1. What a lovely day!
2. What a fine mess we’re in now!
3. What an interesting person you are!

We also use “how” to start an exclamatory sentence.

1. How beautiful the sunset is tonight!
2. How clever you are to find that out!

When to Use Exclamatory Sentences?

The exclamation point indicates strong feelings, high pitch, anger, and surprise as well as shows emphasis. But it should not be overused. 

Use exclamation points sparingly in your writing!

1. Be careful not to use exclamations in irrelevant cases.
2. If you are working on a formal project, keep exclamations out of your paper unless quoting someone else who may have used one. 
3. Use an exclamation to express a high pitch or deep thought or feeling. For example: 

“No!” he yelled as the ship went down. 

Or, 

“Wow! That was amazing.” 

       4. Use an exclamation when emphasising something very strongly, such as: “I will not put up with this nonsense!”

Conclusion

Exclamatory sentences are used to show strong emotions or feelings. These types of sentences may resemble interrogative or imperative sentences but one must be careful not to get confused.  Exclamation points are meant to express excitement or admiration for something; however, they should be utilised in moderation. Overuse of exclamatory sentences can hamper the quality of a good write-up.