What is Interjection definition and examples in grammar?
We use a variety of words in our language to express our feelings, thoughts, and actions. The words belonging to this set are called interjections. They enable people to express feelings or reactions suddenly. Their shortness is their most distinctive feature, as they typically stand alone.
In this article, we will review interjection definition and examples and offer you an opportunity to actively practice interjections with examples and questions. By this, you’ll learn and enjoy how interjections work practically and how to use them in regular sentences.
What is an Interjection?
An interjection is essentially a word that expresses a strong emotion or reaction. It includes happiness, surprise, anger, excitement, or other feelings. Interjections usually consist of isolated sentences, always with an exclamation point, although sometimes one finds a comma instead.
Another definition of an interjection is that it is a word or phrase which conveys sudden judgment or emotion.
You can also check; Parts of Speech
Examples of Interjections:
- Wow! That was amazing!
- Ouch! That hurt!
- Oh no! I lost my keys.
- Yay! We won the match!
- Oops! I made a mistake.
Common Types of Interjections
Interjections are categorized according to the kinds of emotions they express. Here are some common types of interjections:
Volitive Interjections: These express a wish, request, or command. They often convey a desire or a call to action. Examples include “Please!” or “Come on!”. These interjections show a direct request or plea from the speaker, often used in persuasive or urging contexts.
Emotional Interjections: These express strong feelings or emotions, like surprise, joy, anger, or disgust. They can stand alone or be part of a larger sentence. For example, “Wow!”, “Ugh!”, or “Yay!”. They reflect the speaker’s immediate emotional response to a situation or event.
Cognitive Interjections: These convey a speaker’s mental processes, such as realization, doubt, or contemplation. They are often used to show the speaker’s thought or reaction to something. Examples include “Hmm!”, “Aha!”, or “Oh!”. These interjections highlight a cognitive moment, like figuring something out or being struck by an idea.
Interjections Showing Surprise or Shock:
- Wow! That was an incredible performance!
- Oh my! I can’t believe it!
Interjections Showing Joy or Happiness:
- Yay! We finally completed the project!
- Hooray! Our team won the game!
Interjections Showing Pain:
- Ouch! That really hurt.
- Ow! I stepped on a nail!
Interjections Showing Disappointment or Regret:
- Alas! It was too late to apologise.
- Oh no! I forgot to bring my homework.
Interjections Showing Surprise or Realisation:
- Aha! I finally found the answer.
- Oh! I didn’t know that.
How to Use Interjections in Sentences?
Now that you know what interjections are and the different types of interjections, using them in sentences is key. Interjections usually are used at the beginning of a sentence; however, they can also go in the middle and even at the end.
Examples:
- Wow! That was a fantastic performance.
- Oops! I forgot to call my friend.
- Oh! That’s what I was looking for.
- Yay! I passed my exams.
- Alas! I missed the bus.
Observe how each of these interjections serves to indicate a reaction or some feeling.
Interjection Examples in Conversations
Interjections are commonly used in everyday conversations. These convey our emotions and feelings through our words. The following are examples of how interjections are relevant in conversations:
Example 1: Surprise
- Person A: “I can’t believe you won the contest!”
- Person B: “Wow! I didn’t expect that!”
Example 2: Happiness
- Person A: “We’re going to the zoo today!”
- Person B: “Yay! I’ve been wanting to go!”
Example 3: Disappointment
- Person A: “I didn’t make it to the party.”
- Person B: “Oh no! I was hoping to see you there.”
By using interjections, the conversation feels more lively and emotional.
Practice Questions: How Well Do You Know Interjections?
Now that you understand interjection definition and examples, it’s time to test your knowledge! Try answering the following practice questions:
Question 1: Identify the Interjection
- Hooray! We are going to the beach!
What is the interjection in this sentence?
Drop answer in comment.
Question 2: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Interjection
- _____! I dropped my ice cream on the floor.
(Options: Oops, Hooray, Wow). Drop answer in comment.
Question 3: Choose the Correct Interjection for the Situation
- Your friend tells you that they got an A+ on their test. What would you say?
(Options: Wow, Ouch, Oh no). Drop answer in comment.
Question 4: Make a Sentence with an Interjection
- Write a sentence using the interjection “Oh no” to show disappointment.
(Example answer: Oh no, I lost my favourite pencil!). Drop in Comment.
Question 5: True or False: Interjections can only be used at the start of a sentence.
Drop answer in comment
Why Interjections are Important
Interjections make language more expressive and colourful. They help show the speaker’s emotions clearly. Without interjections, our conversations would sound flat and dull. By using interjections, we can make our speech sound more interesting and engaging.
For example, instead of saying “I am happy,” you could say “Yay! I’m so happy!” Using interjections adds personality and emotion to what we say.
Conclusion
Understanding the interjection definition and examples will help one express themselves clearly when attributing emotion to sentences. Interjections are always little, easy, and expressive words that create a great difference in the tone and quality of speech. By practising with the examples and questions in this article, you can improve your use of interjections and make your conversations more expressive.
Keep practising and soon you will be able to use interjections naturally in your writing and speaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
A word or phrase that expresses strong emotions such as joy or surprise, pain, or excitement is called an interjection. Usually, interjections are followed by exclamation marks.
Furthermore, such words can allow for standalone sentences, given that they express vehement emotions like surprise, pain, or happiness. For example: “Wow!”
Interjections are usually positioned at the beginning of a sentence but they may also fit into the middle or at the end. For example: “Wow, that was amazing!” or “That was amazing, wow!”
Some common examples include: “Yay!”, “Ouch!”, “Oops!”, “Wow!”, “Oh no!”, and “Hooray!”
Interjections are generally informal and used in everyday conversation. They add emotionality or emotion-based expressions to speech and are not common in formal writing.
