Last Updated on October 6, 2021
What is an interjection? To help you understand what this part of speech is, and how it is used, this article provides detailed guidance on the definition and examples of interjection, and how interjections can be used in a sentence.
Table of Contents
Definition of Interjection
An interjection also known as an exclamation is a part of speech that demonstrates the emotion or feeling of the author. These words or phrases can stand alone, or be placed before or after a sentence.
Interjections are very common in spoken English, but they appear in written English as well. The most widely used interjections in English include hey, oops, ouch, gee, oh, ah, ooh, eh, ugh, aw, yo, wow, brr, sh, and yippee. In writing, an interjection is typically followed by an exclamation point, but it can also be followed by a comma if it is part of a sentence. Knowing the different kinds of interjections, and understanding how to punctuate them, will help you use them correctly.
Examples of interjections
Here are some examples of interjections and their definitions:
- Ahem – The sound of someone clearing their throat in an attempt to get your attention
- Aah – Used as a call for help or when someone is scared
- Boo – Used to scare someone or to voice disapproval
- Eh – Used when you didn’t hear or understand what someone said
- Eww – Conveys dislike or disgust
- Hmm – Can mean you’re thinking or hesitating
- Jeez – Could indicate you can’t believe something or you’re exasperated
- Ooh-la-la – A slightly comical way to refer to something as fancy or special
- Oops – An exclamation people use when they do something by accident
- Phew – Expressing relief or gladness something is over
- Whoa – Can show surprise or amazement
- Yahoo – Expresses joy or happiness
- Yeah – Demonstrates a very strong affirmation or approval
- Yoo-hoo – An expression used to get someone’s attention
- Zing – Usually used comically to emphasize a clever statement or comeback
Interjections in a Sentence
Here are some more interjections, this time used in the context of an accompanying sentence:
- Ahh, that feels wonderful.
- Alas! I’m lost in the wilderness.
- Bah! That was a total waste of time.
- Bless you! I couldn’t have done it without you.
- It’s time for me to go. Cheerio!
- Congrats! You finally got your master’s degree.
- Crikey! Do you ever think before you speak?
- Gesundheit! Are you starting to get a cold?
- Good grief! Why are you wearing shorts in the winter?
- Grrr. I’m going to get back at him for that.
- Humph. He probably cheated to make such good grades.
- Oh dear! I don’t know what to do about this mess.
- Shoot! I forgot my brother’s birthday.
- Well, duh! That was a stupid thing to do!
- Yowza! That is a gorgeous gown.