Interjections
Interjections and exclamations are different from each other. They are special words and part of speech. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.
What Are Interjections?
Interjections are words or phrases that are used to express sudden feelings or reactions such as anger, surprise, happiness, etc.
Types of Interjections
Interjections are a broad category and the include many different types, such as:
- exclamations (ouch!, wow!)
- curses (damn!)
- greetings (hey, bye)
- response particles (okay, oh!, m-hm, huh?)
- hesitation markers (uh, er, um)
- other words (stop, cool)
Exclamations
Interjections are considered a kind of part of speech, while exclamations are not. Exclamations are more like a noise than a word.
Rules to Use Interjections
Interjections are usually used at the beginning of the sentence. Interjections can be in form of a word, a phrase, or even a short clause. For example:
How to Use Punctuation with Interjection
An exclamation mark with interjections expresses a very strong feeling; however, using a comma means there is a weaker feeling. Using a question mark after an interjection expresses doubt or disbelief. For example:
How Do We Use Exclamations?
Interjections usually are used alone and an exclamation mark is put after them. They can also consist of:
- what + noun phrase
- how + adjective
Greetings
You can use interjections to greet or express congratulations. Here are the examples:
What Is a Primary and a Secondary Interjection?
Primary interjections are words that do not have a special meaning unless they are used to show a strong feeling. Secondary interjections are, in fact, exclamations that are derived from other words and they can be used to swear or greet, or even to say congratulations. For example:
Review
Interjections are used to express strong feelings such as anger, happiness, joy, etc. Interjections are categorized into two groups:
- primary interjections
- secondary interjections (exclamations)