Interjections are sounds, words or phrases which are used to express emotions. Interjections can stand alone. “Interjection” comes from the Latin word interjicere (throw between).

Interjections are simple to explain, easy to understand, and play a big role in everyday English spoken language.  A mild interjection is usually followed by a comma.  An exclamation mark follows a strong interjection.

Examples of Interjections

Well, we need to leave now.
Oh! That is terrible news.
Nonsense, you can do it.
Hey!
Wow!
Well, fancy that.

Here are some examples of the way interjections are used in sentences.
Oops! I dropped my keys.
Hey! Give me bag my purse.
Wow! The sunset is beautiful.
Well, I want to go to San Francisco before that.

The interesting thing is that we understand from very early on what emotion an interjection is conveying –
Um, I don’t know where the dog went
Oh no! Where are my keys?
The word ‘um’ expresses hesitation – we know without having to ask.  Interjections that seemed appropriate in other eras get replaced by ones which new generations adopt. “Doh!”, for example was made famous and part of everyday usage by the cartoon character Homer Simpson.

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

Here are some old interjections hardly used anymore, or by older generations
gosh! interjection
used to show surprise.

alas! interjection
used to show distress and alarm.

Here are some of the interjections commonly used today  (and here is a list of other commonly used interjections):

Meh!
Duh!
Ka-ching!
Feh
Heh

Understanding the different types of interjections is a basic requirement of the English language, but it is very simple to do.