G2.4: Exclamations

how the grammatical patterns in a sentence indicate its function as an exclamation (exclamations starting with what or how, e.g. What a good friend you are!)

– English grammar, punctuation and spelling test framework; National curriculum tests from 2016; National curriculum tests; Key stage 2; For test developers

What is this nonsense?
How perverse is this?

Damn! I was meant to use exclamation marks in sentences beginning with What and How, but couldn’t! I’m a fool! I’m a failure! Shit! Fuck!

What a birthday present!
How great is this!

That’s better – though the second seems applicable to being either exclamatory or interrogative, but if one is using punctuation to indicate tone of voice then there needs to be this degree of choice and manipulation.

It’s my birthday!
This is more educational bollocks about which I can take the piss on my special day!

It’s late! I’m going to bed! Tomorrow I can continue!