--!?

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Akuma

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Just checking, but having such things as exclamation points or question marks inside dashes appropriate. I believe it to be, but if the need to correct me is here, tell me what to do instead.

Example:
You think life’s been tough on you--you!--because you're alone in the world?
 

veinglory

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I have no idea what is correct but I wouldn't have a problem with that sentence because the meaning is clear and removing the ! would change it.
 

veronie

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Yah, exclamation marks are used way too often! The only time I would use them is in fiction dialogue.

Anyway, the exclamation mark goes inside quotation marks when it is part of the quoted material: "I tell you, if you use exclamation marks too much I'm gonna pull my hair out!"

The exclamation mark goes outside quotations when it is not part of the quoted material: You really must read the book "Why Exclamation Marks are so Awful"!
 
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katiemac

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In this instance, I'd rather see the second "you" italicized rather than following it with an exclamation point.

But, I have no idea whether the point is grammatically right or wrong in the first place.
 

katiemac

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Hey, Akuma, this wouldn't happen to be for a fanfiction story, would it? ;) :D

*ducks and runs*
 

Akuma

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Alright, thanks for the clarification, guys.

And katiemac, don't be blasphemous. I think we had a whole thread addressing that. ;)
 

Akuma

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Well, I'm not getting rid of the dashes, of course. But took katiemac's advice and made it in italics, instead. It looks far better that way, I think.
 
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