08/01/2025
Interjections: A Quick Tutorial
Interjections are words or phrases used to express sudden emotions or reactions. They are not grammatically connected to the rest of the sentence, often standing alone or set off by punctuation. Here's a detailed breakdown:
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What are Interjections?
An interjection is a part of speech that expresses emotions like surprise, joy, anger, or pain. They can also convey hesitation or a polite reaction.
Examples:
Wow! That’s amazing.
Ouch! That hurt.
Oh, no! I forgot my keys.
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Types of Interjections
1. Emotion-based Interjections
Express feelings or emotions.
Examples:
Hurray! We won the game.
Alas! He failed the exam.
2. Greeting Interjections
Used to greet or call attention.
Examples:
Hello! How are you?
Hey! Stop right there.
3. Approval Interjections
Express approval or agreement.
Examples:
Bravo! That was a great performance.
Well done! You did an excellent job.
4. Surprise Interjections
Express surprise or shock.
Examples:
Oh! I didn’t see you there.
What! Are you serious?
5. Hesitation Interjections
Indicate uncertainty or thinking.
Examples:
Um, I’m not sure about that.
Er, let me check my notes.
6. Pain Interjections
Express discomfort or pain.
Examples:
Ouch! That was sharp.
Ah! My head hurts.
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Punctuation and Placement
1. Standalone Interjections:
Typically followed by an exclamation mark or a comma.
Yay! I’m going on vacation.
Well, I think you’re right.
2. Embedded Interjections:
Can appear in the middle of a sentence, often set off by commas.
She is, oh no, not coming to the party.
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Tips for Using Interjections
Keep them short and expressive.
Avoid overusing them in formal writing, as they are more suited for informal or conversational contexts.
Choose the interjection that fits the tone or emotion you wish to convey.
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Practice Exercise
Identify the interjections in the following sentences:
1. Wow, that sunset is stunning!
2. Oh no, the cat ran outside.
3. Um, I don’t know the answer.
4. Hooray! We’ve reached the top of the mountain.
5. Well, it seems like a good plan.
Answers:
1. Wow
2. Oh no
3. Um
4. Hooray
5. Well
