Monday, October 27, 2008
English 101
I have a confession to make (but it will be kind of obvious) . I abuse the poor punctuation mark known as the exclamation . I am sure many of you have noticed by now, but I think everything deserves to be said emphatically. I am trying to reform, and only use it for the most important sentences, those deserving of passion and vigor. I like to say everything with feeling, but no one wants to read a post that makes them feel like they are being yelled at. (Sorry, mom, I know I ended that sentence with a preposition but I couldn't think of a better way to say it. ) At least I don't write in all capitals, right? To that end, in honor of the glorious English exclamation point, I have written this entire post (all six or so sentences ) without using it so that the next time I do it will be able to retain all its meaning. (Wow, I really wanted to end that last sentence with an exclamation-I think I need therapy. Do they offer Punctuation Abusers Anonymous? Hello, my name is Clare and I am an Exclamation-Point over-user...)
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Oh, I too love the exclamation point! See? I automatically ended that sentence with one. It's such a lovely punctuation mark, and I think it spent too much time on the back burner.
ReplyDeleteSince most people still don't know the difference between your and you're, I think we still have plenty of ground to abuse the exclamation point. That is, until they come up with a 12-step program for us!!!
Clare! I think that was one of the most real post I have read from you. I could totally hear you saying all of that. I agree it is to easy to try and get your feelings across the internet by using the exclamation mark, however I never feel like you are yelling I me. I just always picture you as really excited or passionate about what you are writing. However I probably have an advantage since I know you so well:)
ReplyDeleteTalk soon~Me
PS: I still mean it, if people start critiquing my blog grammar-I quit!:)
Hello, my name is Jen and I too am an "exclamation-point over-user." (I am sure you have seen it for yourself on our blog) Just ask Greg.... it drives him crazy sometimes. ;)
ReplyDelete~Jen
The first step is admitting you have a problem... ;o) sill girl. I would much rather numerous exclamation points than all caps - I hate that!
ReplyDeleteI think the exclamation point is terrific! How else will we know what you are excited about, what you are adamant about, and when you would raise your voice and add inflection. Periods are so boring. Commas are a bother and few people have any idea when to use them properly. How about a semi-colon? Who thought of that one anyway?
ReplyDeleteYes! An exclamation point definitely gets my vote as the most fun!