Interjections

Interjections Definition

Interjections are words that are used to express impulsive or unplanned emotions or reactions. They are often short, snappy remarks that are used to express what someone is feeling at the current moment. For example, if you are shocked or surprised by something, you may say:

Fig. 1 - Wow is an example of an interjection.

Types of Interjections

Before we look at specific types, it is important to know that interjections can be broken down into two categories:

1. Primary interjections

2. Secondary interjections

Let's look at the difference between the two:

Primary interjections refer to words that only function as interjections, and don't have other alternate meanings. Examples include: ouch, hmm, oops, woo.

On the other hand, secondary interjections are words that already have other meanings and already belong to a certain word class but can also function as interjections. Examples include: damn, oh my God, oh boy, congrats.

There are three specific types of interjections. These are as follows:

1. Volitive

2. Emotive

3. Cognitive

Let's take a look at each of these in more detail.

Volitive Interjections

Volitive interjections refer to imperatives that command or request someone to do something. For example:

Emotive Interjections

Emotive interjections are used to express different emotions, such as surprise, excitement, anger, disgust, fear, etc. For example:

Interjections of Surprise

As the title suggests, interjections of surprise (a type of emotive interjection) are used when expressing a feeling of surprise. Interjections of surprise are perhaps some of the most commonly used interjections, as we often react spontaneously when scared or shocked and end up blurting out words or noises!

Some interjections of surprise include:

• wow

• woah

• woo

• oh my

• oh my gosh

• ooh

• eek

• ahh

Fig 2. Surprise can be interpreted in different ways; either related to fear, shock, or excitement.

Cognitive Interjections

Cognitive interjections are related to information and knowledge. They are used to show understanding, a reaction to information, or a thought process. For example:

Interjections Grammar

Here are just a few things to keep in mind when using interjections:

1. If the interjection makes its own one-word sentence, make sure to use the correct punctuation after it (this could be a period, an exclamation mark, or a question mark). For example, "Yay! I'm so happy for you!"

2. If the interjection is at the start of a sentence, place a comma or hyphen after it. For example, "Shh, my brother's asleep."

3. If the interjection is in the middle of a sentence, commas, brackets, or hyphens can be placed on either side of it. For example, "I broke my arm (ouch!) and I can't move it."

It is also important to be aware that interjections are not grammatically related to the rest of the sentence. Because of this, they are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence; they simply add extra information about the feelings of someone/something. For example, take the sentence:

"Eww, I hate peas."

The interjection "eww" emphasizes a feeling of disgust. Without it, the sentence would read:

"I hate peas."

As the interjection does not alter the grammatical meaning, the sentence still makes sense without it. We still know that the person hates peas, but there is less emphasis placed on this hatred.

Interjections Examples

Check out some more examples of the different types of interjections below:

Dialogue with Interjections

Below is an example of a conversation with interjections. As you read through the example, identify the interjections and think about whether or not they change the way you interpret the meaning of the dialogue. Do you think the interjections strengthen the emotions expressed?

All of the interjections used in the above dialogue are:

• Ugh

• Ah

• Oh

• Oh no

• Shh

• Oops