Grammar: Exclaim Through Exclamation Marks!!!!!!!!

I blame this common grammar error on the causual conversations one can have via texting, Email and instant messaging. Thinking back to early elementary years, exclamation marks were the coolest thing. It was a rare and great opportunity when one had something to exclaim to the world. Now, as people have more outlets for expression, exclamation marks are used and abused. For this weeks grammar "spot light" I wanted to cover the actual appropriate use of an exclamation mark.

Rule 1: Don't use an exclamation mark unless it's absolutely necessary.
It is advised that one not use an exclamation mark in formal acedemic writing. The follow example shows how inappropraite a simple puncuation can be in ones writing.
"In 1848, gold was discovered in California!"
Avoid this altogether if you would like to be taken seriously in your writing.

Rule 2: Use an exclamation mark after an exclamation, especially after one beginning with "what" or "how."
It is proper to use exclaimation marks after statements not sentences. As the follow example shows, exclaimation marks can add needed enthusiams to a statement such as in novels or narrative writing.
"What a lovely view you have here!"

These are just a few simple guidelines that will help to recover the significance of the exclamation! :) For more info click here.