Exclamation Quote by Jenny Baranick
““Like an exclamation point, the em dash may be used to provide emphasis, but the exclamation point must go at the end of a sentence—the em dash can go anywhere: There’s a little blonde girl—in my bed. None of my porridge—not even one little drop—is left.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Punctuation and Style, 2019
Em dashes can emphasize mid‑sentence; exclamation points belong at the end.
In simple terms: Use em dashes for emphasis, exclamation points at sentence end.
Place emphasis where it fits.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- editing
- teaching grammar
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is an em dash more effective than a comma?
- Do you prefer exclamation points for strong emotions?
Overusing em dashes can disrupt flow.