3. An exclamation point is used after an exclamatory word or phrase.
Note. This rule is not absolute. Most interjections take the exclamation point. With other words and with phrases, usage differs; if strong feeling is expressed, the exclamation point is commonly used, but too many such marks deface the page.
II
The comma is used—
1. After a noun (or a phrase) of direct address (a vocative nominative). Thus,—
- John, tell me the truth.
- Little boy, what is your name?
Note. If the noun is exclamatory, an exclamation point may be used instead of a comma.
2. Before a direct quotation in a sentence. Thus,—
The cry ran through the ranks, “Are we never to move forward?”
Note. When the quotation is long or formal, a colon, or a colon and a dash, may be used instead of a comma, especially with the words as follows.