Interjection

English is a formal language as it is used mainly for important business communications. Still, a few words or groups of words in English are used to denote an informal way of communication by exhibiting emotions. One such kind of grammatical structure is called Interjections. Interjections are words that represent feelings and emotions used in a sentence and are independent of all grammatical rules. It is an exciting form of communication and includes words like, Hello, Yeah, Ouch, Ew, Ugh, etc. It creates a sense of zest, surprise or sorrow among the readers and listeners.

What is an Interjection?

Interjections are commonly used in English as a part of speech to denote an informal way of communication by exhibiting emotions. It is one of the eight parts of the speech. Other parts of speech include,

1. Nouns
2. Pronouns
3. Verbs
4. Adverbs
5. Adjectives
6. Prepositions
7. Conjunctions

The examples of interjections are easy to understand as well as exciting to read.

What are the Functions of Interjections?

Interjections are used to denote strong and vivid emotions like anger, pain, joy, sorrow, and surprise and are also used as greetings and sometimes to denote approval or disapproval.

Some of the common interjections are shown in the following:

Anger: Ew, What a horrible idea it is.

Pain: Ah! How I wish I could help their family in some way.

Joy: Hurray! We won the cricket tournament finally.

Sorrow: Alas! I got to know this morning that his father is no more.

Surprise: Wow! What a beautiful watch you have, it is really amazing.

Approval: Yes, I would love to join you at the party.

Disapproval: Oops! I can’t join you all for lunch as I have a meeting to attend.

Greetings: Hello, How are you, Mrs Verma?

Usage of Interjections

Interjections can be used;

• At the beginning of the sentence
• In the middle of the sentence
• At the end of the sentence

At the Beginning of the Sentence

Some parts of Interjections are used at the starting of sentences and are separated from the rest of the sentences by punctuation marks like commas or exclamatory marks.

Such Interjection examples are:

• Wow! What a bright sunny day it is.

( Here, ‘Wow’ is the Interjection, and it is separated from the rest of the sentence with the exclamation mark.)

•  Hey, I saw you at the part yesterday with Rohit.

( Here, ‘Hey’ is the Interjection, and a comma is used to separate it from the rest of the sentence).

In the Middle of the Sentence

Some parts of Interjections are used in the middle of sentences and are separated from the rest of the sentences by punctuation marks like commas or exclamatory marks.

Such Interjection examples are:

• I can’t believe it, Oh my God, she did it again.

( Here, ‘Oh my God is the Interjection, and a comma is used to separate it from the rest of the sentence).

At the End of the Sentence

Some parts of Interjections are used at the end of sentences and are separated from the rest of the sentences by punctuation marks like commas or exclamatory marks.

Such Interjection examples are:

• She is so mean, she went alone, ugh!

( Here, “Ugh” is the Interjection used, and an exclamation mark is used along with it to close the sentence.)

Types of Interjections

As per the definition of interjections, there are various types of Interjections. The four categories of Interjections are:

1. Emotive Interjection-

Emotive Interjections denote emotions relating to fear or disgust or any other strong emotions.

Such Interjection Examples:

• • • Ugh!
    • Yuck!

2. Cognitive Interjection-

Cognitive Interjections are generally used to pass on the information and, at times, are responsible for causing confusion or delight. Such Interjection examples:

• • • Wow!
    • Oh!
    • Huh?

3. Volitive Interjection-

Volitive Interjections are known to pass an order or command to the speaker or reader. Such Interjection examples:

• • • No
    • Shhh

4. Onomatopoeia Interjection-

Onomatopoeia is Interjections which denote a natural sound of living, non-living things. These are used for mimicry purposes.’

Such Interjection examples:

1. 1. • Tick-tock!
      • Ding-dong!
      • Meow!
      • Ouch!

Classifications of Interjections

The two classifications of Interjections are:

1. 1. 1. Primary Interjections

      The primary Interjections are words used in a single word format, and can only be used as Interjections and have no other form of usage in grammar and denote emotions like hesitation, excitement, joy, pain, and so on.

      Such Interjection examples:

      1. 1. • Wow!
            • Hmm,
            • Hello,
            • Damm!
      2. Secondary Interjections

      The secondary Interjections can change their form, as per the needs of the sentence, and have multiple uses in a sentence. It can be used in a single form and even in the phrasal form of words.

      Such Interjection examples:

      1. 1. • Excuse me!
            • Sorry!
            • Thank you!
            • What is it?!

Conclusion

Interjections are one of the eight parts of speech in English. While these words are fun to use, they convey emotions and feelings of the speaker. There are different types of interjections based on their purpose of using. They represent feelings of happiness, sorrow, surprisement, grief and anger. One must be careful to place an interjection in a sentence so that it does not fall out of context. It should be denoted using a comma or an exclamation mark.