Exclamations

Exclamations are often constructed with how and what or with so and such. Negative question forms are also common.

Exclamations with how

Form: how + adjective/adverb + subject + verb

• How cold it is! (NOT How it is cold!)
• How beautifully she sings!

The structure how + subject + verb is also possible.

• How you have grown!

Exclamations with what

Form: what a/an (+ adjective) + singular countable noun

• What a lovely song! (NOT What lovely song!)
• What a surprise! (NOT What surprise!)

We use what + adjective before an uncountable or plural noun.

• What lovely flowers! (NOT What a lovely flowers!)
• What fools! (NOT What a fools!)
• What beautiful weather! (NOT What a beautiful weather!)

What + object + subject + verb

• What a beautiful smile you have! (NOT What a beautiful smile have you!)

Exclamations with so and such

Different structures are possible.

Form: so + adjective

• You are so sweet!

Form: such a/an (+ adjective) + singular countable noun

• He is such a nice boy!

Form: such (+ adjective) + uncountable/plural noun

• They are such kind people!
• They talk such rubbish!

Common mistakes in the use of exclamations

Incorrect: What a fun!
Correct: What fun!

Incorrect: What rude man!
Correct: What a rude man!

Incorrect: What surprise!
Correct: What a surprise!

In exclamations we use what a/an before a singular countable noun. Articles are not used before uncountable and plural nouns. Note the word order:

What + a/an + (adjective) + singular countable noun
What + (adjective) + uncountable / plural noun

Incorrect: How it is sweet!
Correct: How sweet it is!

Incorrect: How she sings beautifully!
Correct: How beautifully she sings!

The correct pattern is: how + adjective / adverb + subject + verb

Incorrect: She is such pretty girl!
Correct: She is such a pretty girl!

Incorrect: They are such a kind people!
Correct: They are such kind people!

In exclamations, such a/an is used before singular countable nouns. Articles are not used before uncountable or plural nouns. Note the word order:

Such a/an + (adjective) + singular countable noun
Such + (adjective) + uncountable / plural noun

Incorrect: What a beautiful smile has she!
Correct: What a beautiful smile she has!

Note the word order: what + object + subject + verb