Exclamation Mark

Avoid using exclamation marks in formal writing.



Formal writing is considered a means of communicating information, and is kept rather boring so that communication is not interrupted in any way. Exclamation marks impart an excitement, which may distract the reader from the information. Generally, exclamation marks are not used in formal writing, as they are seen to concentrate on the emotion rather than the information. Use of an exclamation mark might also imply a lack of professionalism on the writer’s part.



Incorrect: Global warming will be the downfall of mankind!

While most people would consider this sentence to be worthy of an exclamation mark, formal writing should be used solely to impart information. In order that the reader take the author seriously, the exclamation mark should be removed and replaced with a period.



Incorrect: The author believes her professor to be entirely wrong!

Strong emotions are likely to distract the reader from the information being imparted, rather than convincing them of a point. The exclamation mark should be replaced with a period, and the statement supported with facts rather than emotion.

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