An interjection is one or more words or a phrase that comes at the beginning of a sentence and generally expresses emotions. Interjections such as short exclamations – Oh!, Um, or Ah! have no real grammatical value but we use them quite often, usually more in speaking than in writing.
When interjections are inserted into a sentence, they have no grammatical connection to the sentence.
An interjection is sometimes followed by an exclamation mark (!) when written.
Example: Alas! She is no more.
Below is the list of interjections with their meaning and uses:
| 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, let’s head to the bar. |
Some interjections are used to stall for time or indicate that the speaker is thinking of something. General use of interjection is in certain situations 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 color 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? |
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