Using a Comma after an Interjection

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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.
    • (The "No" is more impactful with an exclamation mark. When an interjection is followed by an exclamation mark, it is common for the sentence to be an exclamatory sentence, i.e., one that ends with an exclamation mark.)
  • No! It's not yours!
  • Yes! I've won!
Read more about interjections.

commas and exclamation marks with interjections
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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
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See Also

Using commas (a summary) Try our big commas test What are interjections? Commas after a sentence introductions Commas after a transitional phrase Commas before conjunctions (and, or, but) Commas for parenthesis Commas in lists Commas with a long subject Commas with numbers Commas with quotation (speech) marks Commas with the vocative case Commas with Dear, Hello, and Hi