What is an Interjection? Definition, Types, Examples + Quiz

Short and quick answer by GrammarGramps: An interjection is a word or short phrase (or a sound, in speech) that expresses emotion, reaction, or sudden feeling. It is usually followed by an exclamation mark (!) or a comma (,).

Interjections often stand alone as an independent element in a sentence. If they are removed, the sentence doesn’t lose any coherence. The types of interjections are strong emotional interjections, mild emotional interjections, volitive interjections, and cognitive interjections. Some common examples of interjections include “Wow!” “Yay!” and “Yikes!”

Definition and Special Introduction to Interjections by GrammarGramps

Hey again. How’re you doing?

Let’s define interjections.

An interjection is a word or phrase or even a sound (say, when you’re speaking) that expresses a reaction or emotion in a sentence.

That’s the definition. Quick and simple.

Yay! We’re already done.

Right?

No, we’re not done. But did you spot the interjection?

If you did, then hooray!

If you didn’t, then, alas, I am a terrible teacher.

Come on now. I’ve thrown quite a few of them at you at this point.

You see the words like “yay!” and “hooray” that I’ve bolded above? Those are interjections. They are meant to convey feeling and emotion rather than a specific meaning.

If we were to define it, we won’t say that “hooray” means happiness. We’ll say it’s a word that shows happiness. The same goes for “yay” and “alas” and most other interjections.

The thing about interjections that makes them different from other parts of speech is that they aren’t really essential. Adverbs are essential. Pronouns are essential. Adjectives are essential. You have to use them at some point, even if a sentence can technically exist without them.

But interjections aren’t like that. It’s entirely possible for a person to live their entire life, giving speeches, writing books, and teaching classes, and not use a single interjection. They are entirely optional.

And no, please don’t start thinking about how it could be possible for someone to not use pronouns or adverbs their entire lives. You get the point.

By the way, if you want to learn more about the essential parts of grammar, such as the ones that I mentioned above, check out the guide on “What is Grammar?” by GrammarGramps. It covers a lot of stuff comprehensively.

Let’s move on now.

Ten (10) Example Sentences with Interjections

Here are some ten (10) example sentences that show the use of interjections.

1. Oh, Jack dropped the wrench into the mud while fixing his uncle’s tractor. [The interjection in this sentence is “oh.”]
2. Yikes! The tractor sputtered loudly when Jack turned the key. [The interjection in this sentence is “yikes.”]
3. Ugh, Jack wiped grease off his hands after the engine refused to start. [The interjection in this sentence is “ugh.”]
4. Aha! Jack finally noticed that the loose wire was the problem. [The interjection in this sentence is “aha.”]
5. Hooray! The tractor started after Jack tightened the bolt. [The interjection in this sentence is “hooray.”]
6. Phew! Jack relaxed when the engine stopped rattling. [The interjection in this sentence is “phew.”]
7. Wow! The ducks at the pond rushed toward Jack when he tossed them bread. [The interjection in this sentence is “wow.”]
8. Oops! Jack slipped on the wet grass near the duck pond. [The interjection in this sentence is “oops.”]
9. Hey! One bold duck tried to snatch the bread from Jack’s hand. [The interjection in this sentence is “hey.”]
10. Alas, Jack realized the ducks had eaten all the bread he brought. [The interjection in this sentence is “alas.”]

What are the Core Characteristics and Attributes of Interjections?

In a nutshell, here are the core characteristics and attributes of interjections.

1. Interjections express emotion or reaction, like surprise or joy.
2. They can stand alone or start a sentence.
3. Interjections serve an expressive role, not a grammatical role.
4. They are marked by commas or exclamation marks.
5. They are optional, as sentences remain correct without interjections.

Types of Interjections Explained by GrammarGramps

There are a total of four (4) different types of interjections. The types include strong emotional interjections, mild emotional interjections, volitive interjections, and cognitive interjections, according to GrammarGramps.

Here is a table that describes their meaning, lists some examples of each, and also mentions example sentences using the respective type of interjection.

Primary Interjections and Secondary Interjections: Meaning and Difference

Primary and secondary are two classifications of interjections. Let’s learn about their meanings, examples, and their main difference.

What are Primary Interjections?

Primary interjections are words that are primarily and exclusively used as interjections. They exist only to be used as interjections and nothing else. They are not derived from existing words.

Here are some examples of primary interjections:

• Wow!
• Yikes!
• Ouch!

What are Secondary Interjections?

Secondary interjections are normal and regular words that are used as interjections, even though they have their own unique meanings. For instance, “Dear me!” is an interjection, but this phrase is made of words that have their own meanings. “Dear” has a meaning. “Me” has a meaning.

However, together, they perform the secondary role of acting as interjections, hence they are called secondary interjectins.

Here are some more examples of secondary interjections.

• Sweet!
• Beautiful!
• That’s the way!

Can an Interjection Be Made of Multiple Words?

Yes, they can. An interjection can be made of multiple words. For example, “Dear me!” is made of two words, but it functions as one interjection.

It’s normal for interjections to be longer than one word. As long as it fits the definition of expressing emotion or reaction and being grammatically independent, it will be an interjection.

Short Quiz on Interjections by GrammarGramps: MCQs

Here is a short quiz that I made to test if you’ve learned about interjections in the guide above. The answers are provided at the very end. You can check once you’ve mentally made all of your choices.

And once you’re done with the quiz, I suggest checking out our detailed glossary of English grammar here on GrammarGramps. I like to suggest it so that you can learn a new grammar term and find your way to another guide here on our website. Keep learning! Bye now.

Take the quiz before you leave.

1. Choose the interjection in this sentence: Wow! The river cracked.
   A. river
   B. cracked
   C. Wow
2. What type of interjection is found in this sentence: Oh, this is not ideal.
   A. Volitive
   B. Strong emotional
   C. Mild emotional
3. True or false: Interjections are always followed by a question mark.
   A. False
   B. True
4. What is the interjection in this sentence: Well, that was predictable.
   A. was
   B. predictable
   C. Well
5. Is the interjection in this sentence primary or secondary: Shoot! Watch the ice.
   A. Primary
   B. Secondary

Answer Key

1. C
2. C
3. A
4. C
5. B – The word “shoot” is a secondary interjection as it has a meaning of its own, but in the context, it’s used as an interjection.

Resources Used for this Guide

Among others, here are the resources that I used to write this guide on interjections.

• Interjection – Merriam-Webster
• Types of Interjection by Unacademy.com