The exclamation mark conveys emphasis and intensity. With the rise of social media, some say it now also helps to show sincerity. But it can also seem forced and a cheap way to emphasise a point.
As a result, it is best to avoid using exclamation marks in formal documents and websites, and save it for informal texts such as email and social media where you have an established relationship with your readers. Even then, use it sparingly.
Formal writing
Avoid exclamation marks
Don’t use exclamation marks in formal, technical or compliance content, as they will not set a professional tone.
All staff must report health and safety hazards they find in the workplace.
All staff must report health and safety hazards they find in the workplace!
Informal writing
Use sparingly to capture enthusiasm, excitement or gratitude
You can use exclamation marks in more informal texts such as emails, in conversational client communications and on social media. But do so sparingly as they quickly lose their impact with overuse. And don’t use them to emphasise negative emotion.
I’ll be presenting at the conference next month. Hope to see you there!
Many thanks for the information you sent!
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An oversight like this is simply unacceptable!!
