Interjections
Learn what interjections are, the different feelings and reactions they express, and how they are punctuated and positioned in a sentence.
Wow. Ouch. Well. Hey.
An interjection expresses a sudden feeling or reaction.
An interjection is a word or short phrase that expresses a sudden feeling or reaction, such as surprise, pain, joy or hesitation. It stands apart from the grammatical structure of the sentence around it, rather than acting as a subject, verb or object.
In the sentence Wow! That view is incredible., the word Wow is an interjection. It expresses the speaker’s surprise before the main sentence begins.
Interjections are one of the smaller word classes in English, but they appear constantly in everyday speech.
The central idea
An interjection stands outside the grammar of the sentence.
Compare a sentence on its own with the same sentence introduced by an interjection.
01
Without an Interjection
The sentence states the fact plainly, with no added reaction.
That view is incredible.
02
With an Interjection
The interjection adds the speaker’s immediate reaction.
Wow! That view is incredible.
The useful question is: Could this word be removed without changing who did what to whom?
Wow! That view is incredible. → removing “Wow” leaves a complete sentence
She saw the view. → “saw” cannot be removed without breaking the sentence
Unlike a subject or a verb, an interjection can be removed entirely without breaking the grammar of the sentence that follows it.
Two kinds of interjections
Some interjections only work as interjections. Others do double duty.
Primary interjections
oh
wow
ouch
ugh
phew
These words function only as interjections. They do not belong to any other word class in English.
Secondary interjections
well
right
great
nonsense
Well, I suppose we should get going.
These words normally belong to another word class, such as an adjective, adverb or noun, but can also be used on their own as an interjection to express a reaction.
What interjections express
Different interjections express different reactions.
Surprise
Wow! I didn’t expect to see you here.
Pain
Ouch! I hit my elbow on the door.
Disgust
Ugh, this milk has gone off.
Hesitation
Um, I’m not sure that’s correct.
Relief
Phew! We made the train after all.
Greeting or getting attention
Hey! Over here!
Agreement
Right, let’s begin.
Punctuating interjections
The punctuation depends on how strong the feeling is.
Exclamation mark for strong feeling
Wow! That’s amazing.
A strong interjection is often followed by an exclamation mark and written as its own short sentence.
Comma for a milder reaction
Well, I suppose that could work.
A milder interjection is often followed by a comma and joined to the rest of the sentence.
Where interjections appear
Interjections usually come at the start of a sentence, or stand completely alone.
At the start of a sentence
Oh, I forgot my keys.
Standing completely alone
Ouch!
An interjection can form a complete reaction entirely on its own, with no sentence attached.
Less commonly, in the middle or at the end
That was, well, unexpected.
Interjections in speech and writing
Interjections are far more common in speech than in formal writing.
Interjections appear constantly in conversation, informal messages and dialogue in stories. In formal writing, such as reports or academic essays, they are used rarely, if at all.
A practical decision guide
Ask what the word is doing in the sentence.
01
Does the word express a sudden feeling or reaction?
If so, it is likely functioning as an interjection.
02
Can the word be removed without breaking the sentence’s grammar?
An interjection can always be removed without affecting the rest of the sentence.
03
How strong is the feeling?
Use an exclamation mark for a strong reaction, or a comma for a milder one.
04
Is the writing formal or informal?
Interjections suit conversation and informal writing far more than formal writing.
Common errors
Mistakes are useful when you understand why they happen.
Wow that’s amazing!!!!!
Wow! That’s amazing.
One exclamation mark is enough to show strong feeling; the interjection also needs its own punctuation before the sentence continues.
Well I suppose that could work in a formal report.
The proposal is reasonable and could work.
Interjections such as well suit conversation, but are usually avoided in formal writing.
Oh I forgot my keys.
Oh, I forgot my keys.
A mild interjection at the start of a sentence is usually followed by a comma.
Well is a strange word to call an interjection since it can be an adverb too.
She cooked the meal well. (adverb) / Well, let’s see what happens. (interjection)
The same word can belong to different word classes depending on how it is used in the sentence.
Your turn
Practise identifying interjections and their punctuation.
These activities are part of the learning process. There are no scores, no grades and no limit on how many times you may try.
“Wow! I didn’t know you could sing like that.” What does Wow express?
✅ Exactly! Wow here expresses the speaker’s surprise.
❎ Not quite. Think about what reaction fits hearing unexpected good news.
The speaker did not expect this ability.
Ouch ___ I stubbed my toe on the table.
✅ Exactly! Pain is a strong, sudden feeling, so an exclamation mark fits.
❎ Not quite. An interjection needs its own punctuation before the rest of the sentence.
Consider how strong this particular feeling usually is.
“Well, I suppose we should get going.” What is Well functioning as here?
✅ Exactly! Here, well expresses hesitation and can be removed without breaking the sentence.
❎ Not quite. Try removing the word and see whether the rest of the sentence is still complete.
An adverb usually describes a verb; here, well stands apart from the sentence.
Where are interjections most commonly used?
✅ Exactly! Interjections appear constantly in speech and informal writing, but rarely in formal writing.
❎ Not quite. Think about which setting favours expressing sudden, personal reactions.
Formal writing tends to avoid expressions of immediate, personal reaction.
Try it another way
Complete the sentences.
Type an interjection that fits the feeling described.
✅ Exactly! This describes a sudden feeling of pain or discomfort.
❎ Not quite. Think of the interjection used for sudden physical discomfort.
✅ Exactly! This describes a feeling of relief after some tension.
❎ Not quite. Think of the interjection used for sudden relief.
✅ Exactly! This describes a feeling of disgust.
❎ Not quite. Think of the interjection used for disgust.
Notice the difference
Correct the interjection or its punctuation.
Rewrite each sentence correctly.
Wow that’s amazing!!!!
✅ Exactly! One exclamation mark after Wow is enough, and the sentence continues on its own.
❎ Not quite. Add one exclamation mark after the interjection, and reduce the row of marks at the end.
Oh I forgot my keys.
✅ Exactly! A mild interjection at the start of a sentence is usually followed by a comma.
❎ Not quite. Add a comma directly after the interjection Oh.
Quick review
A small word class that captures a big reaction.
Interjections express a sudden feeling or reaction, standing apart from the grammar of the sentence around them.
Primary interjections, such as wow and ouch, only function as interjections.
Secondary interjections, such as well and right, also belong to other word classes.
A strong interjection is usually followed by an exclamation mark; a milder one is usually followed by a comma.
Interjections usually appear at the start of a sentence, or stand entirely alone.
Interjections are far more common in speech and informal writing than in formal writing.
Remember
An interjection can always be removed without breaking the sentence.
If a word expresses a sudden feeling and could be taken out without affecting the grammar of what follows, it is functioning as an interjection. How strongly that feeling is expressed decides the punctuation that goes with it.