Interjection Definition, Examples and Its Usages
Interjections: An Interjection is a word or expression that occurs as a remark on its own and expresses a spontaneous feeling or emotion. It encompasses many different parts of speech, such as exclamations (ouch!, wow!), curses (damn!), greetings (hey, bye), response particles (okay, oh!, mm-hm, huh?), hesitation markers (uh, er, um), and other words (stop, cool). A word or phrase that is grammatically independent of the words that express feelings rather than emotions.
Definition of Interjection
According to the definition given by Merriam Webster Dictionary“An interjection is a word or phrase that is grammatically independent of the words around it, and mainly expresses feeling rather than meaning”.
The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines interjection as “a short sound, word, or phrase spoken suddenly to express an emotion.”
According to the Cambridge dictionary, an interjection is “a word that is used to show a short sudden expression of emotion.”
Examples of Interjection
Some of the examples of interjection are-
- Hello! what are you doing there?
- Alas! He is dead.
- Hurrah! we have won the game.
- Ah! Have they gone?
- Oh! I got such a fright.
- Hush! Don’t make a noise
These expressions such as Hello!, Alas!, Hurrah!, Ah!, Hush!, etc. express emotions or feelings and are used as interjections in the sentences.
Uses of Interjections
Some of the uses of interjection are-
- Interjection can be used at the start of the sentence to add emotional impact to the sentence.
- Interjections are useful to make questions or rhetorical questions.
- Using interjection at the start invites someone else to share their thoughts with you.
- Using interjections in the middle of the sentences helps to convey feelings of uncertainty or doubt.
Types of Interjections
Interjections are words and expression which is used to feelings or emotions. There are two types of interjectionsbut basically, there are two types of interjections-
| Types | Meaning | Interjections | Examples |
| Primary Injections | Such interjections are exclusive interjections and are not classified as part of speech | Phew, Wow, Oh, Blah, Huh, Aw, God, Oops, Hurray, Yuck, Gee, Ugh, Ouch, Alas, Geez, Meh |
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| Secondary Interjection | Nouns, adjectives, and other parts of speech that occasionally act as an interjections | Indeed, Goodness!, Holy cow! |
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Based on the severity of the expressions, Interjections are categorized into two types –
| Types | Meaning | Interjections | Examples |
| Mild Interjection | Such interjections express mild feelings and emotions. | Oh, Well, Hmm |
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| Strong Interjection | Interjections that express strong outbursts of feelings. | Yay!, Bingo!, Ouch! |
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Based on the kind of emotions conveyed, Interjections are divided into three categories –
| Types | Meaning | Interjections | Examples |
| Volitive Interjection | Commands, requests, and wishes are usually expressed by this interjection | Shh!, Ahem!, Psst! |
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| Emotive Interjection | Words that express such spur of emotions such as joy, sorrow, delight, fear, disgust, etc. | Ugh!, Ouch!, Yippee! |
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| Cognitive Interjection | Such interjections convey the feelings and emotions which people understand through experience. | Well, Bravo!, Gosh, |
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