What Is an Interjection? Definition and Types with Examples

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Interjections are short words or phrases used to express strong feelings or sudden reactions. They show emotions like surprise, joy, pain, anger, or excitement. These words stand alone and are not grammatically connected to the rest of the sentence.

In this blog, you’ll learn what an interjection is, its types, and how to use it with examples.

What Is an Interjection?

An interjection is a word or group of words used to express emotion, reaction, or sudden feeling. It often comes at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by an exclamation mark or comma.

Examples:

  • Wow! That’s amazing.
  • Oh no, I forgot my bag.
  • Ouch! That hurt.

Types of Interjections with Examples

Interjections of Joy

These express happiness or excitement.

Examples:

  • Wow! You did it.
  • Hooray! We won the match.
  • Yay! It’s my birthday.
  • Woohoo! That was fun.
  • Yippee! We’re going on vacation.
Text on a blue background lists joyful interjections: "Wow! Hooray! Yay! Woohoo! Yippee!" with the phrase "INTERJECTIONS OF JOY."

Interjections of Surprise

These show shock, amazement, or sudden awareness.

Examples:

  • Oh! I didn’t expect that.
  • What! Are you serious?
  • Aha! I knew it.
  • Eh! That’s strange.
  • Really! That’s unbelievable.
Text on a blue background listing interjections of surprise: "Oh! What! Aha! Eh! Really!" with "Tutor Help Me" logo below.

Interjections of Pain

These express physical or emotional pain.

Examples:

  • Ouch! That was sharp.
  • Ow! My leg hurts.
  • Ahh! That stings.
  • Ugh! That’s disgusting.
  • Oh no! I dropped it.
Graphic displaying the phrase "Interjections of Pain" with examples like "Ouch!", "Owi!", "Ahh!", "Ugh!", and "Oh No!" on a blue background.

Interjections of Greeting

These are used to say hello or goodbye.

Examples:

  • Hello! How are you?
  • Hi! Nice to meet you.
  • Hey! What’s up?
  • Goodbye! See you soon.
  • Bye! Take care.
"Blue background with text listing greeting interjections: Hello!, Hii!, Hey!, Goodbye!, Bye! Tutor Help Me logo faintly visible."

Interjections of Anger or Disgust

These show irritation, frustration, or dislike.

Examples:

  • Ugh! That smells bad.
  • Grr! I’m so mad.
  • Damn! I missed the bus.
  • Shoot! I dropped my phone.
  • Bah! That’s nonsense.
Text graphic displaying "Interjections of Anger" with examples: Ugh!, Grr!, Damn!, Shoot!, Bah! on a blue background.

Interjections of Approval or Agreement

These show positive reactions or agreement.

Examples:

  • Yes! That’s the answer.
  • Indeed! You’re right.
  • Well done! Great job.
  • Bravo! You nailed it.
  • Sure! Let’s go.
Text graphic on a blue background listing interjections of approval: "Yes!", "Indeed!", "Well done!", "Bravo!", "Sure!" with a logo below.

Interjections of Sorrow

These express sadness, regret, or sympathy.

Examples:

  • Alas! The hero is dead.
  • Oh no! I lost my wallet.
  • Oops! I made a mistake.
  • Aww! That’s so sad.
  • Sorry! I didn’t mean it.
Blue background displaying "Interjections of Sorrow" with examples: "Alas!, Oh no!, Oops!, Aww!, Sorry!" in bold typography.

Interjections of Doubt or Hesitation

These show uncertainty, confusion, or thinking time.

Examples:

  • Umm… I’m not sure.
  • Er… I think I forgot.
  • Hmm… That’s interesting.
  • Uh… Can you repeat that?
  • Well… maybe later.
Text on a blue background displaying "Interjections of Doubt" with examples: UMM..., ER..., HMM..., UH..., WELL... in bold white and yellow fonts.

Interjections for Attention

Used to call someone or get their attention.

Examples:

  • Hey! Look over here.
  • Listen! I have something to say.
  • Yo! What’s going on?
  • Look! It’s starting now.
  • Psst! Don’t say anything.

Interjections of Silence or Calm

These ask for quiet or calm situations.

Examples:

  • Shh! Be quiet.
  • Hush! The baby is sleeping.
  • Easy! Take a deep breath.
  • Whoa! Calm down.
  • Quiet! The movie is starting.

How to Use Interjections in Sentences

  • Usually placed at the beginning of a sentence
  • Can be followed by an exclamation mark or a comma
  • Can stand alone or be part of a sentence

Examples:

  • Wow! That’s incredible.
  • Oh, I forgot to tell you.
  • Oops! Sorry about that.

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Conclusion

Interjections may be small, but they express big emotions. They add feeling, tone, and personality to your speech and writing.
By learning their types and uses, you can better express reactions and connect with others more naturally.

FAQ’s

Are interjections full sentences?

No, they are not complete sentences but can stand alone to express a reaction or emotion.

Do interjections always end with an exclamation mark?

Not always. They can end with a comma if the feeling is mild or an exclamation mark if it’s strong.

Where do interjection appear in a sentence?

Most often at the beginning, but they can also appear in the middle or end of a sentence.

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