An exclamation is a short sentence or phrase that shows a strong feeling or reaction. It can show surprise, joy, anger, or fear. In writing, exclamations often end with an exclamation mark. In speech, the voice is often stronger.

Many exclamations are very short words or phrases. People use them to react fast in everyday English. The feeling in the exclamation must match the situation.

What can start an exclamation with a noun phrase. This pattern shows a strong reaction to a thing, person, place, or idea. The form is what plus a or an plus adjective plus noun, or what plus adjective plus plural or uncountable noun.

Rule
Use What a before a singular countable noun.
Use What an before a singular countable noun that starts with a vowel sound.
Use What before plural nouns.
Use What before uncountable nouns.

How can start an exclamation with an adjective or adverb. This pattern shows a strong reaction to a quality or way of doing something. The form is how plus adjective or how plus adverb.

Rule
Use How before an adjective to show a strong feeling about something.
Use How before an adverb to show a strong feeling about an action.
Do not put a noun directly after How in this pattern.

The exclamation mark is this sign: ! It shows strong feeling in writing. It is common after short exclamations and after sentences with what or how. It helps the reader understand the reaction clearly.

Rule
Use an exclamation mark after a short exclamation.
Use an exclamation mark after a sentence with What or How when it shows strong feeling.
Do not use an exclamation mark when the sentence is only a normal statement.

Exclamations in everyday spoken English are usually short and simple. People choose them to match the feeling and the moment. You can now recognize common exclamations, read exclamation marks, and use basic what and how exclamations to show strong feelings or reactions.