An explanation of interjections

What is an interjection?

Interjections are short words or phrases that express a feeling or emotion instead of a concrete meaning. When used in a sentence, interjections are usually grammatically independent from adjacent words.¹ Most interjections express strong feelings, such as love, hate, disgust, surprise, anger, fear, pain, etc. However, some can be used to express milder sentiments, like the interjection “excuse me.”

Write with Confidence using Editor

Elevate your writing with real-time, intelligent assistance

Learn more

Interjections are frequently used in human speech and casual forms of writing, like text messages. While they can add a lot of fun to your writing, you rarely see interjections in formal writing. The following words can all be used as interjections:

• Ow
• Whoops
• Uh-oh
• Huh
• Phew
• Wow
• Ugh

How to use interjections in a sentence

Add meaning or context to your sentences by using interjections to express a feeling, thought, or demand. Interjections can form their own sentence or be attached to an existing one. In addition, an interjection can be followed by an exclamation mark to emphasize the emotion being expressed. If the emotion is slightly weaker, the interjection can be offset by a comma or period.

Even though interjections don’t relate grammatically to the rest of the sentence, their value is in showing how the author/writer feels. Here are some examples of sentences with and without interjections.

With: Wow! You’re so talented.
Without: You’re so talented.

With: Uh-oh, I think we’re lost.
Without: I think we’re lost.

With: Psst, can you pass me the notes?
Without: Can you pass me the notes?

Different types of interjections

There are hundreds of different interjections in the English language, and they can be broken down into the following categories.²

Primary interjections

Basically, these interjections can only be used as interjections. Primary interjections don’t have any alternative definitions and can‘t be used as nouns, verbs, or adjectives. In general, primary interjections are just sounds. Some may have standard spellings, but others don’t. For example: the primary interjection “uh-huh” can also be written as “uh-hmm.” Other examples of primary interjections include:

• Oops
• Woohoo
• Ouch
• Yum
• Ugh
• Yippee

Secondary interjections

Secondary interjections are words that can be used as different parts of speech, such as verbs, nouns, or adjectives, that have different meanings as an interjection. Take the word “boy” for example. It already has a meaning as a noun—a male child—but it takes on a different meaning when used as an interjection in this sentence: “Boy, was my mom upset when I came home late yesterday!” Other examples of secondary interjections include:

• Awesome
• Shoot
• Goodness

Volatile interjections

Volatile interjections are used to make a demand or request. Examples of volatile interjections include:

• Shh
• Shush
• Psst
• Ahem

Emotive interjections

Emotive interjections express sudden emotions or a reaction to something. Curse words or expletives are used in everyday, informal contexts as emotive interjections when the user is feeling angry or upset. Other, more safe-for-work examples of emotive interjections include:

• Ew
• Yay
• Yum
• Hurrah
• Bravo

Cognitive interjections

Cognitive interjections are used to express a thought or thought process. Examples of cognitive interjections include:

• Hmm
• I see
• Wow
• Eureka

Greetings and Parting Words

Greetings and parting words often include interjections with the intention of saying goodbye or wishing someone well at the end of a conversation. Examples include:

• Goodbye
• Hello
• Bye
• Hey

After reading this primer on interjections, you’re ready to use them in your speech or writing to convey your emotions. In addition, the next time you’re having a conversation, you’ll be more aware of the various interjections being used and how they play a large role in our daily lives.

---