Explanation of interjections

Free grammar tips, lessons and tests

Recommended purchases

This site: Grammar Monster on line Daily tips with Grammar Monster's gadget Daily tips with Grammar Monster on Twitter  The best grammar reference books Grammar Monster off line The only grammar checker we'll endorse
Common grammar errors
Easily confused words
Grammar terms & definitions
Grammar tests
Grammar lessons
Search this site


 Home

Search
 

Glossary
of Terms

Common
Errors

FAQs

Grammar
Chat

Download

Grammar
Checker


 
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.

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.
 
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)
 
 

Grammar Monster © | Copyright Registration Number: 226604 | All rights reserved