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Explanation of interjections




What are interjections?
 


Interjections

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.

Yes and No

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 cover the bet.

I'm sure I don't know half the people who come to my house. Indeed, for all I hear, I shouldn't like to. (Oscar Wilde)

Well, it's 1 a.m. Better go home and spend some quality time with the kids. (Homer Simpson)

Phew!

Some interjections are sounds:

Examples:

Phew! I am not trying that again. 

Humph! I knew that last week. 

Mmmm, my compliments to the chef.

Ah! Don't say you agree with me. When people agree with me, I always feel that I must be wrong. (Oscar Wilde)
 
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.
 

See also:

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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