Exclamatory sentence

Definition

An exclamatory sentence is a type of sentence that expresses strong emotion or emphasis, typically ending with an exclamation mark. This sentence type conveys feelings such as excitement, surprise, anger, or joy, setting it apart from declarative, interrogative, and imperative sentences. By using an exclamatory structure, speakers and writers can effectively convey their feelings or reactions in a more impactful way.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Exclamatory sentences often start with words like 'what' or 'how' to emphasize the emotion being expressed.
2. The structure of an exclamatory sentence can vary, but it always concludes with an exclamation mark to indicate strong feeling.
3. In written language, exclamatory sentences help convey tone and emotional intensity, enhancing reader engagement.
4. Unlike other sentence types, exclamatory sentences do not ask questions or provide information; their primary function is to express emotion.
5. Overusing exclamatory sentences in writing can lead to diminished impact; it's best to use them sparingly for maximum effect.

Review Questions

• How do exclamatory sentences differ from other types of sentences in terms of their purpose and emotional expression?
  • Exclamatory sentences differ from other types by focusing specifically on conveying strong emotions or emphasis. While declarative sentences provide information and interrogative sentences ask questions, exclamatory sentences express feelings like excitement or surprise. Their unique purpose is highlighted by the use of an exclamation mark at the end, which enhances the emotional impact compared to other sentence forms.
• Discuss the role of punctuation in distinguishing exclamatory sentences from declarative and interrogative sentences.
  • Punctuation plays a crucial role in differentiating exclamatory sentences from declarative and interrogative sentences. Exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation mark, signaling strong emotion or emphasis. In contrast, declarative sentences conclude with a period to indicate statements of fact, while interrogative sentences use a question mark to denote inquiries. This clear distinction in punctuation helps readers quickly identify the intent and emotional tone behind each type of sentence.
• Evaluate the impact of using exclamatory sentences in creative writing and how they contribute to character development and emotional depth.
  • Using exclamatory sentences in creative writing significantly impacts character development and emotional depth by allowing characters to express intense feelings in a relatable manner. These sentences can reflect a character's immediate reactions to situations, showcasing their personality traits and emotional states. When authors strategically incorporate exclamatory structures, they enhance the overall emotional resonance of the narrative, making characters' experiences more vivid and engaging for readers.

Related terms

Declarative sentence: A declarative sentence is a statement that conveys information and ends with a period, simply stating facts or opinions.

Interrogative sentence: An interrogative sentence asks a question and typically begins with words like 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' 'when,' 'why,' or 'how.'

Imperative sentence: An imperative sentence gives a command or instruction and can end with either a period or an exclamation mark, depending on the intensity of the command.