Exclamations

Exclamations

Exclamations are often constructed with how and what or with so and such. Negative question forms are also common.

Exclamations with how

Form: how + adjective/adverb + subject + verb

• How cold it is! (NOT How it is cold!)
• How beautifully she sings! 

The structure how + subject + verb is also possible.

• How you have grown!

Exclamations with what

Form: what a/an (+ adjective) + singular countable noun

• What a lovely song! (NOT What lovely song!)
• What a surprise! (NOT What surprise!)

We use what + adjective before an uncountable or plural noun.

• What lovely flowers! (NOT What a lovely flowers!)
• What fools! (NOT What a fools!)
• What beautiful weather! (NOT What a beautiful weather!)

What + object + subject + verb

• What a beautiful smile you have! (NOT What a beautiful smile have you!) 

Exclamations with so and such

Different structures are possible.
Form: so + adjective

• You are so sweet!

Form: such a/an (+ adjective) + singular countable noun

• He is such a nice boy! 

Form: such (+ adjective) + uncountable/plural noun

• They are such kind people!
• They talk such rubbish!

Direct and indirect speech

There are two main ways of reporting people’s thoughts, words, beliefs etc.