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.