Interjections  

What is an interjection?

An interjection, also known as an exclamation, is a word, phrase, or sound used to convey an emotion such as surprise, excitement, happiness, or anger. Interjections are very common in spoken English, but they appear in written English as well. Capable of standing alone, they are grammatically unrelated to any other part of a sentence.

Primary Interjections

Primary interjections are interjections that are single words derived not from any other word class, but from sounds. Nonetheless, primary interjections do have widely recognized meaning. Some common primary interjections are:
Primary Interjection
Emotion
aah
fear
aha
triumph, sudden understanding
argh
frustration
brr
being cold
eww
disgust
grr
anger
hmm
thinking
ooh
amazement, being impressed
phew
relief
yay
approval, happiness

Secondary Interjections

Secondary interjections are interjections derived from words that do belong to other word classes—they may be adjectives, nouns, or entire clauses. Again, they have nothing to do with the grammar of the sentences that come before or after them. Some common secondary interjections are:
  • bless you
  • congratulations
  • good grief
  • hell
  • hey
  • hi
  • oh my
  • oh my God
  • oh well
  • shoot
  • well
  • what
Curse words (vulgar or offensive words; also called swear words) are also considered interjections when they are not linked grammatically with another part of a sentence.

Sentence Placement

Interjections are more commonly used in speech; however, we sometimes do need to express them through writing, especially if we are trying to capture dialogue. Usually, the interjection is placed before the sentence that explains the cause of the emotion. For example:
  • “Ooh, that’s a beautiful dress.”
  • “Brr, it’s freezing in here!”
  • “Oh my God! We’ve won!”
  • “Wow! What a great achievement!”

Punctuation

As mentioned, interjections can stand alone. Therefore, they can be punctuated with a period, an exclamation point, or a question mark. The punctuation we choose depends on the emotion that we want to convey. However, since interjections are not complete sentences, some writers prefer to attach them to a complete sentence with a comma. Ultimately, it is up to preference.

Exclamation point

We use an exclamation point when the emotion we want to convey is very strong and is not a question. For example:
  • “Hooray! I got accepted to my top choice university!”
  • “Yuck! I hate coconuts!”
  • “Congratulations! That was an impressive victory.”

Period or comma

When the expression is weaker, we can use a period or a comma. For example:
  • “Well, isn’t that nice?”
  • “Oh well, I’m sure we’ll have better luck next time.”
  • “Shoot. I really thought we were going to win.”

Question mark

If the interjection expresses disbelief, uncertainty, or is interrogative, we should use a question mark. For example:
  • “Huh? You’re not coming?”
  • “Well? Are we going to watch a movie?”
  • “What? You don’t like coconuts?”
Quiz

1. Interjections are ________ to the grammar of the sentence that follows.




2. Which of the following is a primary interjection?





3. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate interjection:
“________! I really thought we were going to lose!”





4. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate interjection:
“________. I’m still not sure of the right answer.”





5. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate interjection:
“________. That bread is all moldy.”





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