In this paper, He's exp-function method is used to construct solitary and soliton solutions of nonlinear evolution equations. Modified equal-width, Burger-Huxley and nonlinear heat conduction equations are chosen to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. The method is straightforward and concise, and its applications are promising. The exp-function method presents a wider applicability for handling nonlinear wave equations. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.