Interjections

Interjections – English Grammar

An interjection is a part of speech that demonstrates the emotion or feeling of the speaker. These words or phrases can stand alone, or be placed before or after a sentence. They are included in a sentence (usually at the start) to express a sentiment such as surprise, disgust, joy, excitement or enthusiasm.

Here are a few examples of interjections and their definitions :-

Ahem – The sound of someone clearing their throat in an attempt to get your attention.

Example – Ahem! I wonder if I could raise this problem with you now.

Ahh – Realization or acceptance.

Example – Ahh! now I see what you mean.

Alas – It is used to express unhappiness, sorrow or regret.

Example – I love football but, alas! I have no talent as a player.

Aah – It is used to show that you are happy, satisfied, surprised or realization.

Example – Aah! the food smells wonderful.

Aww – Something sweet or cute or expressing affection and disappointment.

Example – Aww! Just look at that puppy.

Boo – Used to scare someone or to show disapproval.

Example – “I jumped out from the closet and yelled “boo!”

Bah – Expressing dismissive , annoyed , contempt, disgust, or bad temper.

Example – Bah! that was a total waste of time.

Bless you – It is used especially when someone has sneezed and said as a short prayer for the recipient.

Example – When Rashmi sneezed in the party, her friend said “Bless you”.

Bingo – ‘Bingo!’ used to acknowledge something as right.

Example – Bingo! That’s exactly what I was looking for.

Bosh – ‘Bosh!’ is a way of showing that you think something is stupid or untrue.

Example – Bosh! That’s ridiculous.

Bravo – ‘Bravo’ is used for showing that you admire what someone has done or that you enjoyed their performance.

Example – Well done, Bravo!

Behold – ‘Behold’ is used for look and see.

Example – Behold! The scenery is so beautiful.

Brr – ‘Brr’ is used for saying that you feel cold.

Example – Brrr! it’s extremely cold today.

Congrats – When you congratulate someone, you can say “congratulations” or “congrats”,

Example – Congrats! on your new job, hope you are enjoying it.

Cheers – It is used to express good wishes before you have an alcoholic drink.

Example – Cheers! for your good health.

Eh – ‘Eh’ is used when you didn’t hear or understand what someone said.

Example – “Eh, is Rosy really beautiful?” Raman asked with a wink.

Eww – ‘Eww’ conveys dislike or disgust.

Example – Eww! this place is full of garbage.

Good – It is an adjective (emotion of joy) which can be used as interjection.

Example – Good! Now we can start a new project.

Hmm – ‘Hmm’ means you’re thinking or hesitating.

Example – Hmm! I would look into this matter.

Hey – It is an expression which indicates surprise, dismay, discovery, etc. or calling for another’s attention.

Example – Hey! Get out of this room.

Jeez – Could indicate you can’t believe something or you’re exasperated.

Example – Jeez, this is totally unacceptable.

Ooh-la-la – A slightly comical way to refer to something as fancy or special.

Example – Ooh la la, this project plan sounds terrific.

Oops – An exclamation people use when they do something by accident.

Example – Oops! it dropped accidentally.

Oh  dear – An expression of concern, or worry, dismay, strong suggesting or disapproval.

Example – Oh dear! this is wrong, please don’t do this to me.

Ouch – Exclamation of pain.

Example – Ouch! Its hurts, Stop kicking me.

Phew – Expressing relief or gladness something is over!

Example – Phew ! I am not trying that again.

Shoot – It is slang, to begin talking. Often used in the imperative.

Example – ‘I’ve got a fantastic idea.’ ‘OK, shoot!’

Shh – An indication for silence.

Example – Shh! Silence please, this is a library.

Um – It used for writing the sound that people make when they are thinking about what to say next.

Example – ‘What time will you come?’ ‘Um, I’m not really sure.’

Uh-Oh – Expression showing dismay.

Example – Uh oh! car tyre is deflated again.

Whoa – Can show surprise or amazement.

Example – Whoa! we are going to America next week.

Yahoo – Expresses joy or happiness.

Example – Yahoo! I won the game.

Yeah – Demonstrates a very strong affirmation or approval.

Example – Yeah! this is true.

Yoo-hoo – An expression used to get someone’s attention.

Example –‘Yoo-hoo! Is anyone here?’

Yipee – It is an expression of happiness and excitement.

Example – Yipee! you all passed the exam by flying colors.

Yah – It is exclamation of impatience or derision.

Example – Yah, this structure is absolutely miracle.

Zing – Usually used comically to emphasize a clever statement or comeback.

Example – “You’re so stupid! You would trip in jungle” “Zing!”

Expressions such as “yes,” “no,” “indeed,” and “well” are also often used as interjections.