Commas after interjections (yes, no, indeed)


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A comma is used after an introductory expression such as 'yes', 'indeed' or 'absolutely'.

Commas after Interjections

Expressions such as 'yes', 'no' and 'indeed' (usually at the start of a sentence) are known as 'interjections'. Interjections can be followed by a comma.

Examples:

Well, the rain has played its part in the outcome of this match.

Yes, she will apologise.

Absolutely, a fifth of all the students live in the village.

If an interjection appears mid sentence, offset it with commas. Likewise, if it appears at the end, offset it with a comma.

Examples:

The office can handle, well, four hundred applications per day.

It's cold, indeed.

MILDER WITH A COMMA

An interjection can also be followed by an exclamation mark, but this gives the interjection more impact. (Consider the difference between "No!" and "No,".)

USUALLY NOT IN BUSINESS WRITING

Interjections are usually only used when spoken words are being quoted. You should avoid them in business writing.