Chapter 7: Interjections – Learn English Grammar

7.1 What is an Interjection?

An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses emotion, reaction, or sudden feeling. It can stand alone or be inserted into a sentence.

🔸 Interjections often appear at the beginning of a sentence, but they can appear in the middle or end too.

📌 Examples:

• Wow! That’s amazing.
• Oh no, I forgot my wallet.
• Hey, watch where you’re going!
• We won? Yay!

7.2 Features of Interjections

✅ Interjections are:

• Usually followed by exclamation marks (!)
• Not grammatically related to the rest of the sentence
• Often informal and conversational
• Can express both positive and negative emotions

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7.3 Types of Interjections (with Examples)

🔸 A. Interjections for Joy

Used to express happiness or excitement.

📝 Examples:

• Yay! We’re going on vacation.
• Hooray! Our team won.
• Wow! This cake is delicious.

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🔸 B. Interjections for Surprise

Used to express astonishment or amazement.

📝 Examples:

• Oh! I didn’t see you there.
• What! You’re getting married?
• Gosh! That’s unbelievable.

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🔸 C. Interjections for Sorrow or Pain

Express grief, regret, or sadness.

📝 Examples:

• Oh no! I broke the vase.
• Alas! The old king has died.
• Ouch! That really hurt.

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🔸 D. Interjections for Greeting

Used when meeting or parting.

📝 Examples:

• Hello! How are you?
• Hi! Nice to see you.
• Goodbye! See you soon.

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🔸 E. Interjections for Agreement or Approval

Used to show acceptance or affirmation.

📝 Examples:

• Yes! That’s exactly right.
• Bravo! You did a great job.
• Indeed! That’s true.

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🔸 F. Interjections for Disapproval or Refusal

Express dislike or denial.

📝 Examples:

• No! That’s not allowed.
• Ugh! That tastes awful.
• Tut-tut! That’s not nice.

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🔸 G. Interjections for Calling or Drawing Attention

Used to get someone’s attention.

📝 Examples:

• Hey! Over here!
• Listen! I have an idea.
• Yo! What’s up?

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7.4 Punctuation with Interjections

• Use exclamation marks when the emotion is strong:
  🔸 Wow! This is awesome!
• Use commas for milder emotion or interruption:
  🔸 Well, let’s think about it.
  🔸 Oh, I see now.

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7.5 Placement of Interjections

Interjections can come:

• At the beginning:
  Oops! I dropped it.
• In the middle:
  He, ugh, spilled the milk again.
• At the end:
  You won the prize, yay!

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7.6 Common Interjections List

Emotion	Interjection Examples
Joy	Yay, Hooray, Woohoo, Yippee
Surprise	Oh, Gosh, What, Whoa
Pain	Ouch, Ow, Ah
Sorrow	Alas, Oh no, Aww
Disgust	Ugh, Ew, Yuck
Attention	Hey, Yo, Listen, Look
Greeting	Hi, Hello, Goodbye, Bye
Agreement	Yes, Indeed, Absolutely
Disagreement	No, Nah, Nope
Confusion	Huh, Eh, Um

Exercises

Exercise 1: Identify the Interjection

Underline the interjection in the following sentences:

1. Wow! That’s an incredible painting.
2. Ouch! I just stubbed my toe.
3. Oh no, the lights went out.
4. Hey, are you listening?
5. Well, that’s one way to do it.

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Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Interjection

Fill in the blank with a suitable interjection:

1. ______! That was close.
   (Options: Bravo / Whew / Hello)
2. ______! It’s been ages since we met.
   (Options: Hi / Alas / Tut-tut)
3. ______! That’s not how you hold a pencil.
   (Options: No / Wow / Gosh)
4. ______! You scared me.
   (Options: Oh / Yum / Bye)
5. ______! This pizza is amazing!
   (Options: Yuck / Yum / Alas)

Answers

Exercise 1:

1. Wow!
2. Ouch!
3. Oh no,
4. Hey,
5. Well,

Exercise 2:

1. Whew!
2. Hi!
3. No!
4. Oh!
5. Yum!