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

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.

🔸 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.

🔸 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.

🔸 D. Interjections for Greeting

Used when meeting or parting.

📝 Examples:

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

🔸 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.

🔸 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.

🔸 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?

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.

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!

7.6 Common Interjections List

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.

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!