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.
 

 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.

 


 NOT IN BUSINESS WRITING

Interjections are usually used when quoting spoken words; avoid using interjections in business writing.

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