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

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