{"id":19649,"date":"2022-09-11T12:48:53","date_gmt":"2022-09-11T12:48:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=19649"},"modified":"2023-04-10T13:30:11","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T13:30:11","slug":"comma-after-an-exclamation-point","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/comma-after-an-exclamation-point\/","title":{"rendered":"Comma after an Exclamation Point (Exclamation Mark) \u2014 Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

Using any punctuation mark must be done with extra care. That is, overusing or underusing such a tool can make or break written outputs.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the trickiest combinations of punctuation marks is the use of exclamation points and commas together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether we should use a comma after a punctuation mark is a question worth answering in utmost detail – as many people are quite confused about this very issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, we’ll discuss this topic in more detail below.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Should we use a comma after an exclamation point?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A comma is necessary after an exclamation point only when the exclamation point is used as a natural part of a proper noun, such as song titles, band names, and book titles. However, a quoted speech ending with an exclamation mark midsentence should not come with an after-comma.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma usage after an exclamation point<\/b><\/h2>\n

Deciding whether or not to place a comma after an exclamation point needs some decent amount of consideration from the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, in reality, there are only a few rules that guide the mandatory comma placement after an exclamation point or mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

The main equation here is to remember that a comma should only come after an exclamation point if and when the exclamation point is naturally a part of the word or phrase.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the exclamation point is used as a terminal mark of a clause, phrase, or word, then no comma should be used after it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word or phrase that normally ends with an exclamation point<\/b><\/h3>\n

Using a necessary comma after an exclamation point is only possible when a proper noun word or phrase typically ends with an exclamation mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

On top of that, the grammar and style of the sentence where the proper noun is used also matter in making comma decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some words and phrases deliberately end with an exclamation point, and this would be our guiding light in understanding most of the content in today’s post.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, band names like “WHAM!” and “Oh No! Oh My!” normally come with an exclamation point at the end.<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, regular comma placement rules related to sentence structure and style apply when making use of such words in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even company names like “Yahoo!,” song albums or titles like “Slay!,” or even book titles like “Horton Hears a Who!” should follow the usual comma placement conventions.<\/span><\/p>\n

It takes a man to know all the comma rules that exist in English. So, it might be wiser to refer to our <\/span>comma cheat sheet<\/b><\/a> instead to make things a bit easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, when does a comma come after a word or phrase that normally ends with an exclamation point? What are the grammar and style-based rules that govern this placement?<\/span><\/p>\n

Let us go over each of them below.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word or phrase with an exclamation point in series<\/b><\/h4>\n

When words or phrases that normally end with exclamation points are listed in series, it is natural to see commas as separators.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tricky part here comes with the <\/span>comma before “and” in the list<\/b><\/a> of items. The same goes with the conjunction “or” when it is used in a list.<\/span><\/p>\n

The main idea to bear in mind here is to make sure that readability and meaningfulness go hand in hand when deciding whether to use a <\/span>comma before “and”<\/b><\/a> or “or.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s an example where two necessary commas come after band names that end with an exclamation point in a serial list:<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Wham!, Oh No! Oh My!,<\/i><\/b> and Avanti! are having a back-to-back concert next month.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clearly enough, no comma should come after “Avanti!” in the example above because of how it is positioned in the list.<\/span><\/p>\n

In general, while the comma before the conjunction and the last item in the list is optional, no comma should be placed after the final item in the list.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word or phrase with an exclamation point in a reversed complex sentence<\/b><\/h4>\n

A complex sentence is made up of at least one independent and one dependent clause linked by any <\/span>subordinating conjunction<\/b><\/a> somewhere within the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

A complex sentence can be written in two ways – the regular and the reversed sentence structure.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the independent clause comes before the dependent clause, which means the conjunction comes mid-sentence, the sentence takes a regular structure.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, which means the conjunction is placed at the beginning of the sentence, the sentence takes a reversed structure.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>comma before a subordinate or dependent clause<\/b><\/a> only becomes necessary when it introduces a piece of nonessential information rather than something grammatically crucial or restricted. <\/span><\/p>\n

What this suggests is that no comma should be used in a regular complex sentence that makes use of a subordinating conjunction midway.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, a comma should be used before the independent clause when it is placed at the latter part of the sentence, which also means that the dependent clause comes before it.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make this explanation clearer, here’s an example of a mandatory comma placement after an expression that ends with an exclamation point in a reversed complex sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Before Jerry Yang founded <\/span><\/i>Yahoo!,<\/i><\/b> he had barely spoken English.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you may figure, the sentence structure of the example above dictates the mandatory comma placement, and hence, a grammar-based rule.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word or phrase with an exclamation point in a compound sentence<\/b><\/h4>\n

Another condition that guides necessary comma placement after any expression that ends with an exclamation point is when it is used in a compound sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses connected with a <\/span>coordinating conjunction<\/b><\/a> somewhere mid-sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coordinating conjunctions<\/a> are also mnemonically known as the FANBOYS, which stands for “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The rules on <\/span>comma usage with FANBOYS<\/b><\/a> are pretty straightforward, so you might want to check them out during your free time for knowledge extension.<\/span><\/p>\n

A compound sentence is separated by a comma. The comma is placed right before the coordinating conjunction halfway through the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

This simply means that a necessary post-comma should be used after an expression ending with an exclamation point if it comes before the coordinating conjunction.<\/span><\/p>\n

To see this explanation more clearly, here’s an example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Her go-to karaoke song is Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by <\/span><\/i>WHAM!,<\/i><\/b> and she always sings it with pride.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sentence structure above dictates the comma placement after the exclamation point, thereby suggesting that the rule applies to other expressions as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word or phrase with an exclamation point at the beginning of a sentence<\/b><\/h4>\n

Any proper noun used as a subject that is followed by a nonessential appositive phrase comes with a comma afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n

This only means that a comma should also come after a word or phrase ending with an exclamation point when used this way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nonessential <\/span>appositive phrases<\/b><\/a> serve as additional descriptors to the subject used for creativity reasons, hence a rhetorical device.<\/span><\/p>\n

A pair of commas need to separate appositive phrases to make a clear distinction that they are only added due to persuasive writing reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Creepy Carrots!,<\/i><\/b> my younger brother’s favorite book, was written by Aaron Reynolds.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Remember that any piece of information added in a sentence for stylistic rather than grammatical reasons must always be separated by commas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus, this rule also applies to any word naturally ending with another punctuation mark or even words that do not come with a punctuation mark at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word or phrase with an exclamation point in the middle of a sentence<\/b><\/h4>\n

The same goes for any expression ending with an exclamation point that comes in the middle of a sentence as a parenthetical device.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the expression with an exclamation point is used as the last word of a parenthetical interruption midsentence, a post-comma is also mandatory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, parenthetical elements are nonessential parts of a sentence; a sentence can grammatically function without them, albeit less creatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Horror fiction literature books for children, such as<\/span><\/i> R. L. Stine’s<\/span><\/i> Say Cheese and Die!,<\/i><\/b> are important in honing creativity.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see, the <\/span>parenthetical information<\/b><\/a> “such as R. L. Stine’s Say Cheese and Die!” is only added to make the idea richer and more specific.<\/span><\/p>\n

In reality, though, the sentence can still fully make sense without it, thereby making it a removable and grammatically nonessential stylistic device.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word or phrase with an exclamation before a direct address<\/b><\/h4>\n

Another condition that guides the necessary comma placement after an expression with an exclamation point is its usage before a direct address or vocative expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

A direct address or vocative expression is a name used to directly refer to a receiver of a message, which is often a person’s name or term of endearment.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>comma before a vocative<\/b><\/a> expression is recommended in most formal writing scenarios to avoid any ambiguity that may lead to misinterpretation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although we can be a little more lenient in casual writing, the observance of correct comma usage before or after a direct address is still the best way to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

As much as possible, observe proper comma placement before any name used as a direct receiver of a message in the world of writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Josh: What’s your favorite song from Van Halen?<\/span><\/i>
\n 
\nBlake: I love <\/span><\/i>Everybody Wants Some!!,<\/i><\/b> Josh.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The song title “Everybody Wants Some!!” officially comes with two exclamation points at the end, so an exception needs to be made here.<\/span><\/p>\n

In ordinary writing cases, we normally avoid overusing exclamation points because they could be visually disturbing to readers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word or phrase with an exclamation in a quote<\/b><\/h4>\n

Last but not least, a comma is also necessary after a word or phrase naturally ending with an exclamation point when it appears in a quoted speech.<\/span><\/p>\n

These words would normally take the same comma rules<\/a><\/strong> applicable to ordinary words without punctuation marks at the end.<\/span><\/p>\n

The comma serves as a separator between the direct or quoted speech and the attribution – the information suggesting the reference or source of the message.<\/span><\/p>\n

A comma is needed after the proper noun ending with an exclamation point used at the end of the quoted speech which is followed by an attribution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

“The 2017 movie <\/span><\/i>Mother!,<\/i><\/b>” Vicky explained, “is disturbing yet thought-provoking.”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Similarly, a comma is also necessary when the proper noun ending with an exclamation point comes at the end of the attribution phrase and is followed by another quoted speech.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

“I thought he (Andrew) was pretty loud,” said George Michael of <\/span><\/i>Wham!,<\/i><\/b> “and I thought there’s a boy I’d want to sit next to.”<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see, the comma placement in the two examples above is necessary because of the punctuation requirements for writing quoted speeches.<\/span><\/p>\n

Things, however, change when the exclamation point is used as a terminal punctuation mark that suggests command or strong emotion.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No comma usage after an exclamation point used as a terminal mark<\/b><\/h2>\n

An exclamation mark is a terminal punctuation mark like the period or full stop, and hence, it is most likely found at the end of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of this, it is generally rare to find a comma after an exclamation point unless it is used as a natural part of a proper noun.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No comma after an exclamation point in a quote in the middle of a sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

When used as a terminal punctuation mark in a quoted speech, using a comma after the direct message ending with an exclamation point is incorrect.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, there is no need for a comma after an exclamation mark when you see it within quotation marks as a terminal or closing punctuation mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Correct: “How can I ever repay you for what you’ve done<\/span><\/i>!<\/i><\/b>” Anna sincerely said to Paul.<\/span><\/i>
\n 
\nIncorrect: “How can I ever repay you for what you’ve done<\/span><\/i>!,<\/i><\/b>” Anna sincerely said to Paul.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Needless to say, it would also be incorrect to use a period after an exclamation point used in the same manner above.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions on “Comma After an Exclamation Point (Exclamation Mark)”<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do you put a comma after an exclamation mark in a quote?<\/b><\/h3>\n

A comma should not be used after an exclamation mark that ends a quoted speech somewhere midsentence. This means that the attribution or reference to the source of information must not be preceded with a comma when the quoted remark before it ends with an exclamation point: “Alas!” said Ruth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why should we avoid exclamation marks?<\/b><\/h3>\n

In general, exclamation marks have to be avoided in writing because their excessive use can mislead readers’ interpretation. For example, a simple command using an exclamation mark instead of a period can make it sound too demanding or even threatening, especially in business email writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When do we use an exclamation mark in email?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Exclamation marks may be used in emails suggesting positive messages like birthday greetings, anniversary wishes, welcome messages, and parting messages of success and goodwill.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Using any punctuation mark must be done with extra care. That is, overusing or underusing such a tool can make or break written outputs. One of the trickiest combinations of punctuation marks is the use of exclamation points and commas together. Whether we should use a comma after a punctuation mark is a question worth …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19656,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"_convertkit_action_broadcast_export":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1119,35,1116],"tags":[80,1103],"class_list":["post-19649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comma-rules","category-english","category-grammar","tag-comma","tag-comma-after-an-exclamation-point-exclamation-mark"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19649","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19649"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19649\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24575,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19649\/revisions\/24575"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}