Interjection (The Emotional Signal)

Conceptual Definition

An Interjection is a word or phrase used to express strong feeling or sudden emotion. Unlike other parts of speech, interjections have no grammatical connection to the rest of the sentence; they stand alone as emotional markers.

They are typically followed by an exclamation mark (!) to indicate the intensity of the feeling.

Common Interjections and Their Usage

Professional writers use interjections sparingly to add character or realism to dialogue. They are categorized by the emotion they represent:

Joy

Used to express happiness or triumph.

Examples: Hurrah! We won the championship. Wow! That is a beautiful view.

Sorrow/Pain

Used to express grief or physical discomfort.

Examples: Alas! The Great leader is no more. Ouch! That needle is sharp.

Surprise

Used to express shock or wonder.

Examples: What! He failed the exam? Oh! I didn’t see you there.

Approval/Praise

Used to show appreciation.

Examples: Bravo! You played exceptionally well. Well done!

Attention

Used to draw focus or silence.

Examples: Hark! I hear footsteps. Hush! The baby is sleeping.

Rules for Using Interjections

Punctuation

If the emotion is very strong, use an exclamation mark. If the emotion is mild, a comma is sufficient.

Strong: Help! I’m falling!

Mild: Oh, I forgot my keys again.

Formal Writing

Interjections are generally avoided in academic or professional business reports as they suggest a lack of objectivity.

Sentence Placement

While usually at the beginning of a sentence, they can occasionally appear in the middle or at the end for stylistic effect.