Interjections
Interjections are small words that bear no grammatical connection with the sentences in which they are used. They express the emotions or sentiments of the speaker or convey hesitation or protest. They are usually followed by an exclamation mark.
Since many interjections are mainly written forms of actual sounds that were produced by humans, they are hardly used in academic or scholarly writing, unless they are a part of a direct quote or otherwise.
Ah! Now that’s what I call a good shot! Bravo!
Both Ah and Bravo are interjections used to show the speaker’s admiration in the sentence. There are many different uses for various interjections; the following is a list of the common interjections you may hear around you in daily life -
|
Interjection |
Meaning |
Use |
|
Aah |
Exclamation of fear |
Aah! The monster’s got me! |
|
Ahh |
Realization or acceptance |
Ahh, now I see what you mean. |
|
Aww |
Something sweet or cute |
Aww! Just look at that kitten. |
|
Bingo |
Acknowledge something as right |
Bingo! That’s exactly what we were looking for! |
|
Eh |
Question something |
So that was all she said, eh? |
|
Eww |
Something disgusting |
Eww! That movie was so gory. |
|
Hmph |
To indicate displeasure |
Hmph. I could do that for half the amount he charged. |
|
Oh |
I see/ I think |
Oh, it’s been around a week since I saw her. |
|
Oops |
Making a mistake |
Oops! Sorry I didn’t see those skates there. |
|
Ouch |
Exclamation of pain |
Ouch, that hurt! Stop pinching me! |
|
Shh |
An indication for silence |
Shh! The show is about to start. |
|
Uh oh |
Showing dismay |
Uh oh! The teacher’s caught him. |
|
Whew |
Amazement and/or relief |
Whew! I can’t believe we actually finished it all. |
|
Wow |
Expressing surprise or admiration |
Wow! That’s really great news! |
|
Yay/Yaay |
Congratulatory exclamation |
I can’t believe you’re actually coming here! Yaay! |
|
Yeah |
Variant of ‘yes’ |
Yeah, I’d love some orange juice. |
|
Yikes |
For fear or concern (not serious) |
Yikes, my mother’s home! |
|
Yippee |
Exclamation of celebration |
Yippee! We won, lets head to the bar. |
Some interjections are used to stall for time or indicate that the speaker is thinking of something. These interjections are also used when someone doesn’t know what to say. The following is a list of these sounds or words; they are also called Hesitation Devices -
|
Interjection |
Meaning |
Use |
|
Uh |
Indicates a pause/ need for more time |
Wait I know this… uh… is it Ruskin Bond? |
|
Hmm |
Thinking/Hesitating about something |
Hmm, I’m not sure this colour is the best for this room. |
|
Er |
Not knowing what to say |
I don’t think…er… wait… let me call my boss. |
|
Um |
Pausing or being skeptical |
Not that I don’t believe you but, um, you say it’s a ghost? |
