points d'exclamation
The English phrase "exclamation points" is translated into French as points d'exclamation.
This phrase refers to the punctuation marks used at the end of a sentence to indicate high volume or strong emotion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of points (points) and d'exclamation (of exclamation).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single exclamation point, use the singular form un point d'exclamation.
When do people say it?
In French typography, it is traditional to include a space (specifically a non-breaking space) before the exclamation point symbol !.
Did you know?
- In French, the exclamation point is part of a larger family of 'double punctuation' marks that require a space, including the question mark, the colon and the semicolon.
- While the space before points d'exclamation is standard in France, many French speakers in Canada often omit this space to follow North American typographic styles.
- In traditional French literature, using more than one point d'exclamation in a row is often seen as a sign of poor writing or a lack of discipline.
Examples in context
- N'oublie pas les points d'exclamation.Don't forget the exclamation points.
- Il y a trop de points d'exclamation ici.There are too many exclamation points here.
- Est-ce qu'on utilise des points d'exclamation ?Do we use exclamation points?
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are proofreading a letter together.
- HugoEst-ce que j'ai mis assez de points d'exclamation ?Did I put enough exclamation points?
- LéaOui, c'est parfait comme ça.Yes, it is perfect like that.
- HugoTu es sûre ?Are you sure?
- LéaOui, la lettre est très expressive.Yes, the letter is very expressive.
