interjections

TO CONVEY MEANING
The word interjection comes from the Latin words inter (between) and jacĕre (to
throw). So, an interjection is a word that you throw in between sentences or
thoughts to express a sudden feeling. While interjections are a part of speech,
they are not grammatically connected to other parts of a sentence. While some
interjections such as “well” and “indeed” are acceptable in formal conversation,
it’s best to avoid interjections in formal or academic writing.
How it’s used in a sentence
Interjections add meaning Interjections can be either a As interjections are a
to a sentence or context by single word or a phrase, and grammatically independent part
expressing a feeling, they can be used on their of speech, they can often be
making a demand, or own or as part of a excluded from a sentence
emphasizing a thought. sentence. without impacting its meaning.

Example example Example

Oh really? I didn’t Phew! Oh boy, I’m tired.
know that. Shoot! I’m tired.

Word or sound that can only be used as
an interjection. Primary interjections do
not have alternative meanings and can’t
function as another part of speech (i.e.,
noun, verb, or adjective). They are
typically just sounds without a clear
etymology.
1. Ugh! That’s disgusting.
2. Um-hum. I think that could work.
3. We won the game. Yippee!
4. Oh my god, I am late for school!
5. Phew! That was a close shave.
6. Hurray! He has set a new record
today. @studywithart
A secondary interjection is a word that is
typically used as another part of speech
(such as a noun, verb, or adjective) that
can also be used as an interjection.
1. Goodness! That was a close one.
2. Shoot! My flight has been
canceled.
3. Awesome! Do that trick again.
4. Great! I’d love to watch a movie
with you.
5. Hello, is Carla there, please?
6. Here, have a cup of cold coffee.
 Interjections and punctuation
How an interjection is punctuated depends on the context and the intensity of
the emotion or thought being expressed. When the emotion/thought being
expressed is less extreme, an interjection can also be followed by a period. If an
interjection is used to express uncertainty/ to ask a question, it should be
followed by a question. When an interjection is used as a part of a sentence, it
should be set of from the rest of the sentence using commas.
Categories of Interjections
1. Volitive – used to 2. Emotive – used to 3. Cognitive – used
give a command or express an emotion or to express a
make a request. This to indicate a reaction thought or
replaces “I want” to something. This indicate a thought
phrases. replaces “I feel” process.
phrases.
Example example Example
You can use “Shh!” to You can use “Yuck!” to You can use the
mean “I want you to convey that “I feel interjection “Holy cow!”
be quiet.” nauseated after eating in place of the expression
this food.” “I am shocked by this
unexpected information.”
List of volitive List of emotive List of cognitive
interjections interjections interjections
✓ ahem ✓ please ✓ ah ✓ lol ✓ aha ✓ huh
✓ encore ✓ psst ✓ aw ✓ oh ✓ alas ✓ oh
✓ enough ✓ shh ✓ blah ✓ ouch ✓ bingo ✓ omg
✓ go ✓ shoo ✓ bother ✓ phew ✓ bravo ✓ hmm
✓ here ✓ silence ✓ good ✓ rats ✓ eureka ✓ well
✓ hey ✓ There grief ✓ ugh ✓ gee ✓ whoa
✓ hush ✓ yo ✓ eek ✓ yippee ✓ gosh
✓ eww ✓ yuck
Bravo! You wrote a
Shh! The dog is asleep. Good grief! What a mess you good essay.
Hey, come here and look have made! Eureka! I found my lost
at this butterfly. Rats! I forgot my mobile necklace.
Ahem, I have a suggestion phone on the shop’s counter. Yay! Two flower buds
you might find useful. Yippee! My vacation has have grown on my
@studywithart
started today. plant.