Using a Comma after an Interjection (Grammar Lesson)

The Quick Answer
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.
An interjection at the start of sentence can also be followed by an exclamation mark to make it more impactful. For example:
  • Yes! I've won.

Using a Comma after an Interjection

Expressions such as yes, no and indeed (which usually feature at the start of a sentence) are known as interjections.

When used at the start of a sentence, an interjection can be followed by a comma or an exclamation mark. For example (interjections shaded):
  • 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.

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.

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