Interjections

Interjections are small words that bear no grammatical connection with the sentences in which
they are used. They express the emotions or sentiments of the speaker or convey hesitation or
protest. They are usually followed by an exclamation mark.
Since many interjections are mainly written forms of actual sounds that were produced by
humans, they are hardly used in academic or scholarly writing, unless they are a part of a direct
quote or otherwise.
Ah! Now thats what I call a good shot! Bravo!
Both Ah and Bravo are interjections used to show the speakers admiration in the sentence.
There are many different uses for various interjections; the following is a list of the common
interjections you may hear around you in daily life Interjection

Meaning

Use

Aah

Exclamation of fear

Aah! The monsters got me!

Ahh

Realization or
acceptance

Ahh, now I see what you mean.

Aww

Something sweet or cute

Aww! Just look at that kitten.

Bingo

Acknowledge something
as right

Bingo! Thats exactly what we were

looking for!

Eh

Question something

So that was all she said, eh?

Eww

Something disgusting

Eww! That movie was so gory.

Hmph

To indicate displeasure

Hmph. I could do that for half the

amount he charged.

Oh

I see/ I think

Oh, its been around a week since I

saw her.

Oops

Making a mistake

Oops! Sorry I didnt see those skates

there.

Ouch

Exclamation of pain

Ouch, that hurt! Stop pinching me!

Shh

An indication for silence

Shh! The show is about to start.

Uh oh

Showing dismay

Uh oh! The teachers caught him.

Whew

Amazement and/or relief

Whew! I cant believe we actually

finished it all.

Wow

Expressing surprise or
admiration

Wow! Thats really great news!

Yay/Yaay

Congratulatory
exclamation

I cant believe youre actually

coming here! Yaay!

Yeah

Variant of yes

Yeah, Id love some orange juice.

Yikes

For fear or concern (not

serious)

Yikes, my mothers home!

Yippee

Exclamation of
celebration

Yippee! We won, lets head to the bar.

Some interjections are used to stall for time or indicate that the speaker is thinking of
something. These interjections are also used when someone doesnt know what to say. The
following is a list of these sounds or words; they are also called Hesitation Devices Interjection

Meaning

Use

Uh

Indicates a pause/ need for

more time

Wait I know this uh is it

Ruskin Bond?

Hmm

Thinking/Hesitating about
something

Hmm, Im not sure this colour is

the best for this room.

Er

Not knowing what to say

I dont thinker wait let me

call my boss.

Um

Pausing or being skeptical

Not that I dont believe you but,

um, you say its a ghost?