Understanding Interjections
Interjections are words or phrases used to express strong emotion or surprise. They add color and feeling to language. This guide covers common interjections and how they are used.
What is an Interjection?
An interjection is a word or phrase used to express strong emotion or surprise.
Interjections are often set apart from a sentence by an exclamation point or by a comma when the emotion is less strong.
They are not grammatically connected to the rest of the sentence.
Example:
Wow! That's amazing.
Ouch! That hurt.
Oh, I see what you mean.
Common Interjections
Here is a list of some common interjections:
| Interjection | Emotion/Use |
|---|---|
| Ah | Realization, surprise, acceptance |
| Alas | Sorrow, pity |
| Bravo | Approval, praise |
| Cheers | Toast, encouragement |
| Eek | Fear, surprise (often playful) |
| Eh | Questioning, surprise, inviting agreement |
| Er/Um | Hesitation |
| Ew | Disgust |
| Gee | Mild surprise, enthusiasm |
| Gosh | Surprise (euphemism for God) |
| Ha | Surprise, triumph, laughter |
| Hello/Hi | Greeting |
| Hey | Attention, surprise, greeting |
| Hmm | Thinking, doubt, hesitation |
| Hooray/Hurrah | Joy, triumph |
| Oh | Surprise, realization, pain |
| Oops | Mistake, accident |
| Ouch | Pain |
| Phew | Relief |
| Shh | Request for silence |
| Ugh | Disgust, annoyance |
| Well | Surprise, introducing a remark |
| Wow | Great surprise, admiration |
| Yay/Yippee | Joy, excitement |
Categorizing Interjections by Emotion
Interjections can often be grouped by the type of emotion they express:
1. Interjections for Joy
Example:
Hooray! We won the match.
Wow! This view is incredible.
Yay! It's finally the weekend.
2. Interjections for Sorrow or Pain
Example:
Alas! He is no more.
Ouch! I stubbed my toe.
Oh dear, I lost my keys.
3. Interjections for Surprise
Example:
What! You're moving?
Oh! I didn't see you there.
Goodness gracious! That was unexpected.
4. Interjections for Approval or Praise
Example:
Bravo! That was a great performance.
Well done! You deserve it.
Excellent! Keep up the good work.
5. Interjections for Attention or Greeting
Example:
Hey! Look over here.
Hello! How are you today?
Yoo-hoo! I'm over here.