When to Use the Exclamation Point

One of the things that makes Seinfeld one of the greatest television shows of all time is the countless memorable characters that show up for an episode or two. Remember Jake Jarmel (Marty Rackham), the writer who Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) has an on-again, off-again with for a few episodes? Their second try was done in because she stopped for Jujyfruits after learning that a car accident had put him in the hospital, but the first ended because she got upset when he left her a note saying a friend had a baby and did not use an exclamation point. This led to a fight with Jake Jarmel saying, “Well, maybe I don't use my exclamation points as haphazardly as you do.”

I can see both sides here. If I were writing to tell someone that a friend had a baby, I would probably use an exclamation point. However, Jake Jarmel is right. Exclamation points are used haphazardly. When overused like theellipsis, it can be annoying or laughably bad.

My rule of thumb is that when I use the exclamation point, it is for the reader, not me. When thanking someone or saying, “you’re welcome,” I generally always add one. I never use it when I am angry, just like I never put anything in all caps.

Another tool I use sparingly is this item (!) to convey that something is ridiculous without using a sentence to say so. For example, a few years ago, I compiled a ranking of every Sylvester Stallone movie, and my blurb on Rambo: Last Blood stated: “Critics have blasted this movie because of its insensitive portrayal of Mexican drug cartels (!), but Rambo: Last Blood‘s biggest flaw is that the good portion of time spent on family melodrama rings hollow.”

That brings me to my final piece of advice. If you are going to use an exclamation point, one is all you need. Two or more exclamation points in a row signal an overeagerness or a lack of confidence that your point is being made. Have a great day!