Exclamation Points [ ! ]

1) Use exclamation points to show emphasis or surprise.

For example: The judge brought his dog into court!

Note: Stylistically, the use of an exclamation point is not recommended for formal writing except where it is part of a quote.

2) While common in some European countries, do not use an exclamation point after the salutation in informal letters in English. The use of a comma is the preferred style.