An interjection simply expresses an emotion as a reaction to something. Example:
Wow! That’s amazing.
Ouch! That hurt.
In the above examples, the words wow and ouch express the speaker’s reaction to an event, the first offering surprise, the second representing pain.
How to use interjections
As interjections are spoken, they are inherently informal, so they should be used sparingly if at all in more formal prose. However, when they are used, it is important to consider the context and punctuation. Example:
I was expecting a big crowd but, wow, this is incredible.
The use of commas places the interjection neatly in the sentence. The positioning of the word is not really important, as long as the context is clear. If it was a standalone word, it would probably (but this is not obligatory) be used with an exclamation mark. Example:
Wow! I was expecting a big crowd, but this is incredible.
Quick tips for using interjections
Interjections convey tone quickly, so choose one that matches the emotion you want to show-surprise, pain, hesitation, delight, alarm, etc. They add voice but rarely carry propositional meaning.
For punctuation, set short interjections off with commas or dashes when inside a sentence (e.g., “Well, that explains it.”), and consider an exclamation mark if it stands alone. Use question marks or ellipses when the feeling is uncertain or trailing.
Avoid overuse: too many interjections can make prose seem informal or cluttered. In formal writing prefer descriptive verbs or short clauses that convey the same reaction without interrupting flow.
- Whoa – sudden surprise or to halt action
- Ugh – disgust or frustration
- Hmm – thinking, doubt, or hesitation
- Yikes – alarm or mild shock
FAQ
Can interjections be used in formal writing?
Generally no; reserve them for dialogue, informal pieces, or creative writing. In formal contexts, replace them with a brief descriptive phrase (e.g., “She was surprised” instead of “Wow”).
How do I punctuate interjections inside sentences?
Use commas or dashes to separate the interjection from the main clause. If it stands alone or expresses strong feeling, an exclamation mark is common.
Do interjections affect sentence grammar?
No-their role is expressive, not grammatical. They don’t typically change tense or agreement and can usually be removed without altering sentence structure.
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