Exclamatory Sentences - What Are They? Explore Meaning, Definition, Uses and Examples

As human beings, we all have a lot of emotions and feelings we wish to express. How do we do this? By speaking or writing about it? Yes, it will definitely help you express yourself. But when you want to express spontaneous or sudden feelings and emotions, exclamatory sentences will help you best. Check out the meaning, definition, and rules, and learn how to form exclamatory sentences along with examples. Also, try out the practice questions to check how far you understand the topic.

Table of Contents

• What Is an Exclamatory Sentence?
  • Definition of an Exclamatory Sentence
• Points to Remember When Using Exclamatory Sentences
• Examples of Exclamatory Sentences
• Check Your Understanding of Exclamatory Sentences
• Frequently Asked Questions on Exclamatory Sentences in English

What Is an Exclamatory Sentence?

An exclamatory sentence is one that expresses sudden or strong emotions and feelings. It begins with a capital letter and ends with an exclamation mark.

Now, take a look at the definition given by various dictionaries to have a much deeper understanding of what exclamatory sentences are.

Definition of an Exclamatory Sentence

An exclamatory sentence is defined as “a sentence containing an exclamation or strong emphasis”, according to the Cambridge Dictionary. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term ‘exclamation’ as “ a sharp or sudden utterance” or a “vehement expression of protest or complaint.” This is what an exclamatory sentence is meant to do as well.

Points to Remember When Using Exclamatory Sentences

To be able to form and use exclamatory sentences, you should keep a few points in mind. They are as follows:

• Exclamatory sentences can make use of interjections. When you use interjections, there are two ways in which you can punctuate the sentences. You can either place a comma after the interjection and an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence or an exclamation mark after the interjection and a full stop or question mark after the sentence. Use a full stop at the end of a declarative or imperative sentence and a question mark after an interrogative sentence.

For example: Wow! That is a beautiful dress. Oh, that is sad!

• Exclamatory sentences usually begin with exclamatory pronouns like ‘how’ or ‘what’ to give emphasis on the noun or object in the sentence. For example: What a calm place!
• Exclamatory sentences normally end with an exclamation mark, which is a specific punctuation mark to give emphasis on a feeling or emotion. For example: That is extremely rude!
• Also, remember that your tone, inflection and the stress you give on certain words can change the meaning of the sentence completely.

Examples of Exclamatory Sentences

Here are a few examples of exclamatory sentences. Take a look at them.

• Oh, That is excellent!
• I have no idea what they think of us!
• You were amazing!
• He is not doing it right!
• You did a really good job!
• Wow! I really cannot believe we did that!
• My God! Those are some wonderfully great decorations.
• How does he do it!
• That is great!
• How sad is this!

Check Your Understanding of Exclamatory Sentences

Convert the following declarative sentences into exclamatory sentences. Refer to the example given below.

Example:

Declarative Sentence: This is a big house.

Exclamatory Sentence: What a big house this is!

Now, try doing the same with the sentences given below.

1. It was very strange.

2. I love you.

3. You have made a big mess.

4. The baby is so adorable.

5. I miss college.

6. You have really big eyes.

7. That is good news.

8. It was a surprise.

9. It was a great movie.

10. I loved the book.

The answers to the above sentences are given below. Check them out.

1. How very strange it was!

2. How I love you!

3. What a big mess you have made!

4. How adorable the baby is!

5. Oh, how I miss college!

6. You have really big eyes!

7. Wow, that is good news!

8. What a surprise!

9. It was a great movie!

10. How I loved the book!