What is an Interjection? Definition and 10 Common Examples
| Interjection | Emotion/Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Wow! | Surprise or admiration | Wow! That’s an amazing drawing. |
| Ouch! | Pain | Ouch! That really hurt. |
| Hurray! | Joy or celebration | Hurray! We won the match. |
| Alas! | Sadness | Alas! The cake fell on the floor. |
| Oops! | Mistake | Oops! I dropped the glass. |
| Aha! | Discovery or realization | Aha! I found my keys. |
| Hey! | Calling attention | Hey! Look over here. |
| Bravo! | Praise | Bravo! You did very well. |
| Yikes! | Fear or concern | Yikes! That’s a big spider. |
| Oh! | Surprise or understanding | Oh! Now I get it. |
What Is an Interjection in English Grammar?
An interjection is a word or short phrase that expresses a strong emotion, reaction, or sudden feeling. Interjections stand alone or come at the start of a sentence. They are not grammatically linked to other words in the sentence. Learning interjections helps you add feeling to your speech and writing.
Types of Interjections in English Grammar
There are different types of interjections, each showing a specific emotion or purpose. Understanding these types can help you use the right interjection for each situation.
Classification of Interjections
| Type | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Emotion/Feeling | Expresses joy, pain, anger, surprise, etc. | Wow! Ouch! Oh! Yikes! |
| Greeting | Used to welcome or address someone | Hello! Hi! Hey! |
| Approval/Praise | Shows agreement or praise | Bravo! Well done! Good! |
| Attention | Calls someone or draws notice | Listen! Look! Behold! |
| Sorrow | Shows sadness or regret | Alas! Oh no! Oops! |
| Surprise | Indicates shock or disbelief | Really! What! |
List of Common Interjections (20 Examples)
Learning a variety of interjection words improves your vocabulary. Here are 20 common interjections used in everyday English.
- Wow!
- Hey!
- Ouch!
- Oops!
- Ah!
- Oh!
- Bravo!
- Hurray!
- Ugh!
- Oops!
- Alas!
- Yikes!
- No!
- Yes!
- Aha!
- Gee!
- Hmm!
- Hurrah!
- Ha!
- Well!
How to Use Interjections in Sentences
Interjections are usually placed at the start of a sentence. They can stand alone or be followed by a comma or exclamation mark. Here are some examples to show you how to use interjections correctly.
- Wow! You solved the puzzle so quickly.
- Hey, don’t forget your lunch!
- Ouch! My finger got hurt.
- Alas! The storm ruined our plans.
- Oops, I almost missed the bus.
Punctuation Rules for Interjections
Most interjections are followed by an exclamation mark (!) if the emotion is strong. Use a comma (,) for mild feelings. For example, “Oh, I see.” Use “Oh! That was close!” for strong surprise. This helps show how strong the feeling is.
Interjection Worksheets and Practice
Practice identifying and using interjections with short exercises. This improves your exam readiness and grammar confidence. Here’s a practice set:
- ______! That was loud. (Wow/Oops)
- ______! I found my notebook. (Aha/Alas)
- ______! It’s raining again. (Oh/Hurray)
- ______! The answer is wrong. (Oops/Bravo)
- ______! You did a great job. (Bravo/Alas)
Download more worksheets on Grammar for Class 3 and Interjection Practice at Vedantu.
Interjection vs. Exclamation
An interjection is a part of speech (like “Wow!”), while an exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion (like “What a beautiful day!”). Interjections can appear in exclamatory sentences, but not all exclamations are interjections.
Where to Learn More About English Interjections
- Parts of Speech – Learn how interjections fit in English grammar.
- Exclamatory Sentences – See how emotions are shown in different ways.
- Punctuation in English – Use exclamation marks and commas correctly.
- Basics of Grammar – Build a strong foundation in grammar topics.
- Conjunctions – Understand how interjections differ from other linking words.
In summary, interjections are words or phrases that express strong feelings or quick reactions. There are many types, including emotion, greeting, and attention interjections. Using them makes your English more lively and clear. At Vedantu, we make grammar topics simple and helpful for school and real life. Practice, and you will master interjections easily!
FAQs on Interjections: Definition, Types, and Examples
1. What is an interjection in English grammar?
An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses strong emotion, sudden feeling, or a reaction. They are used to add emphasis in both spoken and written English.
2. Can you list 10 examples of interjections?
Here are ten common interjections with their meanings: Wow! (surprise), Ouch! (pain), Hurray! (joy), Alas! (sorrow), Oops! (mistake), Oh! (surprise/realization), Hey! (attention), Yikes! (fear), Bravo! (approval), Aha! (understanding).
3. What are the four main types of interjection?
While there isn't a rigid classification, interjections often express emotions like surprise, greeting, approval, or attention. Examples include: Surprise (Wow!, Oh!), Greeting (Hi!, Hello!), Approval (Great!, Fantastic!), Attention (Hey!, Look!).
4. How do you use an interjection in a sentence?
Interjections are usually followed by an exclamation mark (!) and are often set off by a comma (,). Examples: Wow, that's amazing! Oh no, I forgot my homework. Hey, look at that bird!
5. Which punctuation marks are used with interjections?
Interjections are typically punctuated with an exclamation mark (!) to show strong emotion. A comma (,) can also be used if the emotion is less intense, or if the interjection is integrated smoothly within the sentence.
6. Are interjections formal or informal?
Most interjections are considered informal, suitable for casual conversation and writing. However, some can be used in formal writing depending on context and overall tone. The best choice depends on the situation.
7. What is the difference between an interjection and an exclamation?
An interjection is a specific part of speech expressing emotion; an exclamation is a broader term for any forceful or emphatic utterance. Many interjections are exclamations, but not all exclamations are interjections.
8. Can interjections be used in formal writing or only in casual speech?
While interjections are more common in informal contexts, carefully chosen ones can be used in formal writing to add emphasis or emotion. However, overuse should be avoided in formal settings.
9. What are some common mistakes students make while identifying interjections?
Students often mistake exclamations or other parts of speech for interjections. It's crucial to understand the specific function of an interjection as expressing sudden emotion or feeling, independent of the rest of the sentence.
10. What are 20 interjections?
Here are twenty examples of interjections: Wow!, Ouch!, Hurray!, Alas!, Oops!, Oh!, Hey!, Yikes!, Bravo!, Aha!, Great!, Fantastic!, Help!, Goodness!, Gosh!, Oh dear!, My goodness!, Well!, Phew!, Hooray!
11. What is 10 examples of interjection?
Ten examples of interjections are: Wow!, Ouch!, Hurray!, Alas!, Oops!, Oh!, Hey!, Yikes!, Bravo!, Aha! These words express sudden emotion or feeling.
12. How to use interjection in a sentence?
Interjections usually start a sentence and are followed by an exclamation mark (!). For example: Wow, that's amazing! Sometimes a comma (,) is used, particularly for less forceful expressions: Oh, I see.
