Interjection sentences usually stand alone, or they are at the beginning of a sentence, and followed by a comma.  Interjection sentences  can be identified because they are words or phrases – even sounds – that are often followed by an exclamation mark, that express an emotion – such as surprise, delight, anger, alarm… They are also used to get someone’s attention,  answer a question.  An interjection is usually found in dialog or when relating what someone said.

The word “interjection” comes from the Latin word interjicere (throw between). This definition is helpful when we look at examples of what an interjection is.

Examples of interjections

Oh no! You’ve knocked over the vase of flowers.

Nonsense, you can pass this exam.

Hey!

Phew!

Wow!

Well, I know I put the keys on the sideboard.

Examples of the way interjections are used in sentences

Oops! I’ve forgotten you name.

Hey! You nearly pushed me over.

Wow! You’re beautiful.

It is very easy to understand what emotion the interjection is conveying

Um, it wasn’t me. The word, or sound ‘um’ is so immediately obvious. It is expressing hesitation and is used for that purpose in many different languages.

Oh no! I missed the exit.

Nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs become interjections when they are used to express an emotion

Fabulous! Quick! Yes! Awful! Absolutely!

Interjections, like so many words and phrases, date. Although we still use these interjections, they are mainly uttered by the older generation:

Gosh! – an interjection used to show surprise.

Alas! – an interjection used to show distress and alarm.

Here are some of the interjections commonly used today

Meh!

Duh!

Ka-ching!