interjection

interjection, an exclamatory word or phrase used to express an emotional reaction or to emphasize a thought. It is one of eight parts of speech in English grammar. Interjections are grammatically independent from the words around them, and they can often be removed from a sentence or context without affecting its basic meaning. The word interjection derives from the Latin term interjicere (“to throw between”), so it can be helpful to think of interjections as words or phrases that can be inserted in between thoughts or sentences to show emotion or add emphasis. Examples of interjections include oops, alas, hey, ouch, ugh, wow, hooray, and phew.

Usage

Interjections can be used to express feelings or sudden emotions, such as surprise (for example, “Wow! I had no idea.”), disgust (“Yuck, that tastes awful.”), shock (“My goodness! That was frightening.”), or happiness (“Yay! I can’t believe we won.”). They can be used to show agreement and acknowledgment (“Yes! That’s a great idea.”) or disagreement and disapproval (“No way! I can’t support that.”). Interjections can be used to demand or request something (“Shh! Please be quiet in the library.”). They can also be used to emphasize or interrupt a thought (“I’m, uh, not sure what I should do next.”). Additionally, interjections can be used to get someone’s attention (“Hey, Jenny! We’re over here.”) or used as words of greeting or parting (“Bye! I’ll see you tomorrow.”).

Interjections are used sparingly in formal speech or writing, but they can be used to add color and emphasis to casual speech or creative writing. In writing, interjections are followed by exclamation marks if they express strong emotions (“Hey! What is going on here?”) or set off by commas if they express emotions that are less intense (“Oh, I must have overlooked that.”).

Primary and secondary interjections

A primary interjection is a word or phrase that can be used only as an interjection and not as another part of speech; examples include yikes, psst, and oops. A secondary interjection is a word or phrase that typically functions as another part of speech but that can also be used as an interjection—for example, Congratulations! and Never!