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If you are familiar with the English language, or just languages in general, you may have heard about interjections. Interjections are parts of speech that may be written or spoken and can have multiple uses—depending on the context, situations, and the intent of the users involved. But what exactly are interjections and how do you use them? This reference will explore the definition of interjections, when to use them, and how they compare to exclamations, emoticons, emojis, and onomatopoeia.
What Is An Interjection?
Interjection Definition
An interjection is a word or short phrase that stands alone and isn’t connected grammatically to other parts of a sentence. It expresses emotions or reactions, like surprise or excitement. For example, “ Oh!”, “Ouch!”, “Wow!”, and “Hey!” are common interjections. They can be exclamatory, like “Dang!”, or they can be simple hesitation markers like “um” or “er”.
Interjections can be greetings (“Hi!”, “Hello!”), show dismay (“Oh no!”, “Aw, man”), or give commands (“Look!”, “Stop!”). They can also overlap with discourse markers like “well” or “you know”, and fillers like “uh” and “um”.
Types of Interjections
Emotive Interjections
These show the speaker’s feelings, such as:
- Anger: “Rats!”
- Fear: “Oh!”
- Surprise: “Huh?”
- Disgust: “Blech!”
Cognitive Interjections
These indicate understanding or reaction to new information:
- “Ohh”
- “I see”
- “Aha!”
- “Wow”
Volitive Interjections
These give commands or make requests:
- “Look!”
- “Listen”
- “Shh!”
- “Look out!”
Primary and Secondary Interjections
Primary interjections are solely used as interjections and have no other function:
- Ah: Ah, that feels good!
- Eek: Eek! There’s a mouse in the house.
- Ouch: Ouch! That hurt.
- Wow: Wow, that’s amazing!
- Yikes: Yikes, that was scary.
Secondary interjections can function in various roles but also serve as interjections:
- Goodness: Goodness! That was a close one.
- Shoot: Shoot! My flight has been canceled.
- Awesome: Awesome! Do that trick again.
- Oh my God: Oh my God, have you ever seen something like that?
- Holy cow: Holy cow! That truck almost got us.
Both types convey emotions or reactions, but primary interjections are used purely as interjections, while secondary ones can also serve other functions in a sentence.
Interjection Examples and Emotions
Interjection Examples for Joy
Interjections are often used to express happiness and excitement. These interjections can range from a simple “Wow” to an exuberant “Hurray.” Some examples of interjections for joy include:
- Yay!
- Woohoo!
- Hurray!
Interjection Examples for Surprise
When encountering something unexpected, people often use interjections to express their surprise. These interjections can vary in intensity, depending on the degree of shock or amazement. Examples of interjections for surprise are:
- Oh!
- Aha!
- Eureka!
Interjection Examples for Pain
Sudden pain or discomfort often evoke interjections as a way to express the physical sensation. Common interjections for pain include:
- Ouch!
- Ow!
- Aargh!
Interjection Examples for Agreement
Interjections can also be used to show agreement or solidarity with another person’s statement or idea. These interjections convey a sense of understanding or approval. Examples of interjections for agreement are:
- Uh-huh!
- Amen!
- Hear, hear!
Interjection Examples for Confusion
People often use interjections when they don’t understand something or feel bewildered or puzzled. These interjections can express a desire for clarity or more information. Some examples of interjections for confusion include:
- Huh?
- Eh?
- What?
Interjection Examples for Emphasis
Finally, interjections can be used to emphasize a point or stress the importance of a statement. These interjections are used to highlight a specific aspect of the conversation or convey urgency. Examples of interjections for emphasis are:
- Indeed!
- Absolutely!
- No way!
Interjection Examples in Sentences
Common Interjections List
Here is a list of common interjections and their meanings:
- Ahh: Expressing realization or relief
- Alas: Expressing disappointment or pity
- Bless you: Showing gratitude or wishing good health
- Congrats: Offering congratulations
- Dang: Expressing annoyance or frustration
- Eek: Showing fear or shock
- Good grief: Displaying exasperation or disbelief
- Hooray: Expressing joy or victory
- Oh: Demonstrating surprise or realization
- Ouch: Indicating pain or discomfort
- Wow: Showing admiration or amazement
- Yeah: Signifying agreement or excitement
- Yuck: Expressing disgust or disapproval
Examples of Interjections in Sentences
Interjections convey specific emotions or feelings within sentences.
- Oh, I didn’t see you there!
- Hooray, our team won the championship!
- Ouch, that really hurt!
- Eek, there’s a spider on the wall!
- Wow, this view is breathtaking!
- Yuck, I can’t stand the taste of this food.
- Ahh, now I understand what you mean.
Placement of Interjections
Interjections can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence:
- Beginning – Sets the tone for the entire phrase.
- Example: Phew, we made it just in time.
- Middle – Interrupts the thought, emphasizing a strong emotion.
- Example: The cake is, ugh, too sweet.
- End – Emphasizes the feeling or emotion, acting like a punctuation mark.
- Example: I can’t believe we finished the project, finally!
Interjections add an emotional or expressive element to sentences, allowing readers or listeners to more clearly understand the writer’s or speaker’s feelings or reactions. By using interjections effectively, you can create a more engaging and emotionally charged narrative.
More Examples of Interjections in Sentences
- “Oops! I did it again!”
- “Ooh, what a lovely dress!”
- “*Yahoo, we did it!”
- “*Shh, I can’t hear what he’s saying.”
- “We’ve done it! Hurrah!”
- “*Bravo, Rena! You’re right.”
- “Well, so Steve got the job?”
- “Oh, how wonderful!”
- “*Meh, there’s nothing great about it.”
- “A seven-layer wedding cake? Ooh-la-la!”
List of Interjections
Expressing Surprise, Amazement, or Joy
- Wow: Expresses amazement or admiration
- Oh: Used to express a realization or understanding
- Yay/Yippee/Hurray: Indicates happiness or celebration
Expressing Disagreement or Frustration
- Ugh: Shows disgust or annoyance
- No/Oh no: Expresses disagreement, rejection, or disappointment
- Shoot: Suggests mild frustration or disappointment
Indicating Pain or Discomfort
- Ouch/ow: Expresses physical pain or discomfort
- Brr: Signals feeling cold
- Ew: Indicates disgust or distaste
Seeking Attention or Acknowledging Presence
- Hey/Yo: Attracts someone’s attention or greets a person
- Ahem: Clears the throat to get someone’s attention or to signal discomfort
Expressing Confusion or Doubt
- Huh: Signals confusion or seeking clarification
- Eh: Represents uncertainty, doubt, or requesting repetition
- Um/uh: Filler used when thinking or hesitating
Expressing Agreement or Affirmation
- Ok/okay: Indicates agreement or acceptance
- Yes/yeah: Affirms a statement or shows agreement
- Absolutely: Stresses strong agreement or support
Expressing Relief or Relaxation
- Phew: Shows relief or relaxation after a strenuous situation
- Oh well: Indicates acceptance of a mild disappointment or resignation
Various Reactions
- Oops/whoops: Used when making a mistake or recognizing an error
- Shh: Asks for silence or to lower the volume
- Nice/awesome/cool: Praises a situation, thing, or action
Interjection Examples in Speech and Writing
Interjection Examples in Speech
Interjections are commonly accepted in speech, though they vary by social situation. In formal conversations and settings, you might hear interjections like “Oh”, “My word!”, “Yes”, and “Quite”. These are considered polite and acceptable.
In casual conversations, interjections are more varied. You can use emotive interjections such as “Darn!”, “Eww”, and “Yes!”, volitive interjections like “Do it!” and “Watch out!”, and cognitive interjections such as “Got it!” and “Whoa…”. These are more relaxed and often include profane and discourse-marking interjections.
Interjection Examples in Texting
In texting, interjections are used depending on the relationship and context. Among friends, romantic partners, or casual acquaintances, you might use interjections more freely. For example, a short “Ok” could be fine for planning a party but might seem rude during a heartfelt discussion.
With work correspondence or when texting superiors, you should use interjections sparingly and more formally. It’s good to be mindful of familiarity and appropriateness depending on who you’re texting.
Interjection Examples in Writing
In writing, interjections appear in various formats. In fictional prose, you might see something like ‘”Wow!”, she exclaimed.’ In non-fiction articles, a quote like ‘“Got it!”, the union workers shouted’ is common.
Interjections can also appear in poetry, personal essays, biographies, or advertising with phrases like “Save!” and “Look!”. They are generally not suitable for non-fiction, informational, technical, academic, or scientific writing.
Interjection Examples in E-mail
Casual e-mail correspondence among colleagues or friends might use interjections. Volitive interjections in advertising and marketing e-mails can attract customers effectively.
In emails between employees and superiors, interjection use should be minimized and kept formal, respecting the professional tone required.
Punctuation and Spelling of Interjections
Exclamation Points
Exclamation points show the intensity of emotions like excitement, surprise, or frustration in interjections. For example:
- Wow! That was an amazing performance.
- Oh no! I forgot my wallet at home.
- Yikes! That was a close call.
When you use an exclamation point, follow it with a space and a capital letter, starting a new sentence.
Commas
Commas are used for softer emotions in interjections, keeping the sentence flow. Examples include:
- Well, it seems like we made it on time.
- Oh, I didn’t realize you were waiting for me.
In these cases, the interjection is followed by a comma and a lowercase letter because it is part of the same sentence.
Interjections vs. Exclamations
Interjections can be exclamations, but not all are. Interjections are often one or two-word phrases like “Oooh!” or “Argh!” Exclamations are longer, like “What a wonderful day it is!” or “This is incredible!”
Exclamation points are less common in texts or emails due to the expressive nature of interjections. Still, they can vary in casual business or strong emphasis among friends.
Interjections vs. Emoticons vs. Emoji
Emoticons: Typed characters representing facial expressions, like 🙂 or :-(.
Emojis: Digital illustrations of facial expressions, objects, or animals.
Both are common in casual texts among friends but should be avoided in professional or formal emails. Interjections may be more suitable in formal contexts, like “Thanks!” or “Yes”.
Interjections vs. Onomatopeia
Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds, like “Moo,” “Boom,” or “Meow.”
Interjections have specific meanings and evoke emotions, unlike onomatopoeia, which replicates sound effects. Both are used in casual conversation and storytelling but are discouraged in formal interactions.
Interjection Examples | Video
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