Using a Comma after an Interjection
Using a Comma after an Interjection
Commas can be used to offset interjections (e.g., "yes," "indeed," "absolutely").Interjections are included in a sentence (usually at the start) to express a sentiment such as surprise, disgust, joy, excitement, or enthusiasm. For example:
- Yes, I've won.
- Indeed, you have.
- Well, the rain has played its part in the outcome of this match.
- Yes, she will apologize.
- Absolutely, a fifth of all the students live in the village.
A Comma or an Exclamation Mark?
An interjection at the start of sentence can also be followed by an exclamation mark to make it more impactful. For example:- No! It's not yours.
- No! It's not yours!
- Yes! I've won!


An Interjection in the Middle of a Sentence
If an interjection appears in the middle of a sentence, offset it with two commas. If it appears at the end, offset it with one comma. For example:- The office can handle, well, four hundred applications per day.
- It's cold, indeed.
Interjections are Not Usually Used in Business Writing
Interjections are usually only used when spoken words are being quoted. You should avoid them in business writing.Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?