Explanation of interjections
 

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What are interjections?
 

1. Interjections are words used to express strong feeling or sudden emotion. They are included in a sentence - usually at the start - to express a sentiment such as surprise, disgust, joy, excitement or enthusiasm.

Examples:

Hey! Get off that floor!
 
Oh, that is a surprise. 

Good! Now we can move on. 

Jeepers, that was close. 

2. Introductory expressions such as "yes", "no", "indeed" and "well" are also classed as interjections.

Examples:

Indeed, this is not the first time the stand has collapsed. 

Yes, I do intend to honour the bet. 

3. Some interjections are sounds:

Examples:

Phew! I am not trying that again. 

Humph! I knew that last week. 

Mmmm, my compliments to the chef.
 
Click on the interjections:



 
grammar tips
PUNCTUATION 

An interjection can be followed by either a comma or an exclamation mark. A comma is used for a mild interjection; whereas, an exclamation mark is used for a more abrupt display of surprise, emotion or deep feeling.

Hurry! The bus is about to leave!
Jeepers! That is the largest beetle I have ever seen.
No, I'm not going tomorrow night.
Well, the larva moves more quickly than you would expect.
Absolutely, a fifth of them do not count.

Very often (as in the first example above), an interjection with an exclamation mark is followed by a sentence with an exclamation mark.
grammar errors
NOT IN BUSINESS WRITING 

Avoid using interjections in business writing.
 
Associated lessons:
 
What are adjectives?
What are adverbs?
What are conjunctions?
What are nouns?
What are prepositions?
What are pronouns?
What are verbs?
Commas after interjections (yes, no, indeed)
 
 

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