Proofreading a novel: is it okay to use a question mark with an exclamation mark – “?!”?
Asked by: Jennifer Wagner
It’s totally fine. It expresses a combination of query and astonishment. There was even an attempt to combine the marks into one, called an interrobang, but it never caught on.
Is it okay to use a question mark and an exclamation together?
That combination of a question mark and an exclamation mark is called an interrobang (or interabang) and it is actually a question mark superimposed on an exclamation mark. It can be used when a question is exclaimed.
Should you use exclamation marks in novels?
Exclamation Points for Emphasis
In fiction, this kind of emphasis is usually unnecessary and even jarring to readers. A single exclamation point in a sea of periods is going to jump out at readers and perhaps even nudge them out of their immersion in your narrative.
What do you call a question mark and an exclamation point?
What Is an Interrobang? An interrobang (sometimes called an interabang or exclamation question mark) is a nonstandard double punctuation mark that combines the glyphs and functions of the question mark and exclamation point.
Which is correct !? Or ?!?
10 Answers. Show activity on this post. I think if you ask the experts who would claim that they know what the “correct” way to punctuate something is, they would tell you that a sentence may only have one terminal punctuation mark—that is to say, neither “?!” nor “!?” is correct.
How many exclamation points is too many in a novel?
There’s no correct number of exclamation points per book, but you might find that you don’t need more than a dozen or two in an 85,000-word story. One story may require ten times that many while another story may not need even one.
Why do writers use a exclamation mark?
An exclamation mark shows shock or surprise. It lets a reader know that they should add emphasis to a sentence. With exclamation marks, ‘less is more’ is a useful approach.
Is it grammatically correct to use an exclamation point and question mark?
The exclamation point is a mark of terminal punctuation. As such, it should not be followed by a period or question mark. Some writers will use both a question mark and exclamation point for an exclamatory question, but only the exclamation point is truly necessary.
Is ?! A valid punctuation?
!? is questioning an emphasis. I don’t know why anyone would add an emphasis only to undercut it in the next mark, so I’ve never thought “!?” has any validity.
Can You Use ?! In formal writing?
A ?! in formal writing is lazy and unnecessary. If you find yourself tempted to use it, well, make sure you’re quoting a Facebook post or text message. Any other use is unacceptable.
What words are not allowed in formal writing?
Formal Writing Voice
- Do not use first-person pronouns (“I,” “me,” “my,” “we,” “us,” etc.). …
- Avoid addressing readers as “you.” …
- Avoid the use of contractions. …
- Avoid colloquialism and slang expressions. …
- Avoid nonstandard diction. …
- Avoid abbreviated versions of words. …
- Avoid the overuse of short and simple sentences.
How do you write grammatically correct in English?
In order for a sentence to be grammatically correct, the subject and verb must both be singular or plural. In other words, the subject and verb must agree with one another in their tense. If the subject is in plural form, the verb should also be in plur al form (and vice versa).
What word can replace you?
Replace instances of “you” in your essay either by using “individual” or “one” to refer to a single hypothetical person and using “people” to refer to a large group to whom something you’re saying applies. Replace instances of “your” in your essay by using the possessive forms of “individual,” “one,” and “people.”
How do I stop saying I in writing?
Ways of Avoiding Pronouns “I”, “You” and “We” in an Essay
- Replacing it with an acceptable wording. This is a very good strategy for replacing “I” in an essay. …
- Using passive voice instead of pronouns. …
- Using a Third-Person Perspective. …
- Use of objective language. …
- Being specific and using strong verbs and adjectives.
How do I get rid of I writing?
Use the third person point of view.
Never use “I,” “my,” or otherwise refer to yourself in formal academic writing. You should also avoid using the second-person point of view, such as by referring to the reader as “you.” Instead, write directly about your subject matter in the third person.
Which word means to fall to flow to pour?
cascade, discharge, drain, flood, flow, gush, rush, spew, spill, splash, stream, swarm, course, crowd, decant, deluge, drench, emit, inundate, issue.
Is snooze a verb yes or no?
verb (used without object), snoozed, snooz·ing. to sleep; slumber; doze; nap: I feel wonderful—I snoozed for over an hour after lunch.
What is poure?
noun A Middle English form of pour , poor, pore.
What is the homophone for poor?
pour, and pore
As you can see, these three unique words are homophones. Poor, pour, and pore sound alike but are spelled differently and have (several) unique meanings.
What is rain homophone?
Rain, rein, and reign are homophones. They are three words that sound the same but are spelled differently.
What is the homophone of guilt?
Gilt and guilt are homophones, words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling, that are easily confused by writers.
What does pour a drink mean?
verb. (Hospitality (hotel): Food and drink, cooking) If you pour someone a drink, you put some of the drink in a cup or glass so that they can drink it.
Why do people pour alcohol on the ground when someone dies?
Just a quick refresher for the uninitiated: pouring one out refers to “the act of pouring liquid (usually an alcoholic beverage) on the ground as a sign of reverence for friends or relatives that have passed away. In most cases, a 40 ounce bottle (see: forty) of liquor is used.” That’s Urban Dictionary’s definition.
Can you drink beer at a cemetery?
Can You Drink Beer At A Cemetery? There is usually no alcohol allowed in cemeteries. This rule is usually clearly displayed on signs. A cemetery’s owner or municipal code may require that you leave if they notice you or call the police.