Exclamations
Posted by Manjusha. Filed in English Grammar
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!
Sections in this article
Exclamations
Exclamations exercise
Exclamations: common errors
Going Deeper
For grammar and vocabulary exercises visit English grammar exercises.
For English usage lessons visit English usage.
For English writing lessons visit English writing.
For English speaking lessons visit English speaking.