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:
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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.
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NOT IN BUSINESS WRITING
Avoid using interjections in business writing.
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