What are Interjections? A Useful Guide

by | Apr 19, 2024 | Parts of Speech

What are interjections and how to use them the right way?

Interactions are considered among the parts of speech in grammar, and they are frequently used in the English language. You may have used them but might not be familiar with them. Because they are part of our daily communications. The main purpose of using these words, sounds, or phrases is to express feelings and emotions. 

In this article, you will learn what are interjections, how and when to use them, and some helpful examples to help you understand their use in English grammar. 

What are interjections?

Interjections are words that are used to express sudden feelings or thoughts. They could be a sound, word, or phrase to express sudden reactions by showing feelings and emotions to the situation.

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Merriam-Webster defines interjection as

“An interjection is a word or phrase that is grammatically independent from the words around it, and mainly expresses feeling rather than meaning.”

For examples;

  • Yahoo!
  • Well! I would rather go by myself.
  • Oops! I almost drop the computer.
  • Hey!
  • Hurrah! We won the game.

Standalone Interjections

Interjections are used to express feelings or emotions. We use interjections commonly in our communications. Consider the following examples to understand how they are used in the English language.

Examples 

  • Yikes! There’s a snake in the garage!
  • You planned this party just for me? Wow!
  • Ouch! That wasp just stung me!
  • Yahoo!
  • Oops.
  • Terrific! Jordan will send you the contract this afternoon.

Interjections in a Sentence

Interjections can also be used in the middle of the sentence. If it is used in the sentence, you must use comm to separate it from the rest. Take a look at the following sentences in which interjections are used in the middle of the sentence.

Examples 

  • I forgot to do the homework assignment oops but my teacher gave me an extra day to finish it. (incorrect)
  • I forgot to do the homework assignment (oops), but my teacher gave me an extra day to finish it. (correct)
  • Gee I hadn’t thought of that. (incorrect
  • Gee, I had’t thought of that. (correct)

How to Use Interjections

English grammar does not tell us hard and fast rules for using interjections. They are mostly used at the beginning of the sentence. However, they can also be used in the middle of the sentence or at the end of the sentence.

When to Use Inerjections

Using interjections is easy with the sentences. They could be used as alone or with the sentences to provide more clarity and information. You can use interjections at the begining of the sentcen. That is the most commonly used method in English language.

Examples of Interjections with Sentences

Here are some of the examples of using interjections with sentences. 

  • Alas! we lost the match.
  • Well! It is the right thing to do.
  • Oops! I dropped the cup.
  • Hey! What are you doing?
  • Yikes! The soup is sour.
  • Hurrah! We won the cricket match.

Interjections are sounds, words, or phrases that express feelings and emotions. They are commonly used at the beginning of the sentence. But they could also be used in the middle or at the end of the sentence. There is no strict rule of using interjections with the sentences. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are interjections in English grammar?

In English, interjections are words that are used to express sudden emotions or feelings.

2. What are some of the examples of interjections?

Some of the examples of interjections are; wow, yikes, oops, and alas. 

3. What punctuation mark is most commonly used with interjections?

Exclamation point to commonly used with interjections to emphasize the intensity of emotions. A period is used to when the thought or emotions or less extreme. A question mark can also be used to express uncertainty or ask a question.

I hope this article helped you learn about interjections, what they are, and how to use them in English grammar. If you liked it, please share it and subscribe to our newsletter for updates, language learning tips, and the latest blog posts.

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