What Are Interjection
Ouch! Oh my! Wow! Yikes!
An interjection is a word that you use in between sentences or thoughts to express a sudden feeling.
Stand-alone Interjections
Interjections usually express the feelings of surprise (both good surprises and bad ones) or excitement.
The most common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so ; these can be remembered by using the mnemonic device FANBOYS.
Examples:
- Yikes! There’s a lizard on the bed!
You planned this party just for me ? Wow!
- Ouch! That wasp just stung me!
An interjection can be used before or after a sentence that explains what’s going on. Interjection can be used alone, but it would not make sense if the cause is not described. Interjections often use exclamation points, but they don’t necessarily have to.
Interjections in a Sentence
An interjection can be used within a sentence. The interjection must be placed inside parentheses or set it off with commas.
Examples:
- I may not get that car, but hey at least I tried. (Wrong)
- I may not get that car, but, hey, at least I tried. (Correct)
- The project was a flop because the logistics team made a few ahem mistakes. (Wrong)
- The project was a flop because the logistics team made a few (ahem) mistakes. (Correct)
- It will take only ten minutes Wow! to reach the city on the new train. (Wrong)
- It will take only ten minutes (Wow!) to reach the city on the new train. (Correct)
When to Use Interjections
Interjections can be used in informal writing. However, avoid using interjections in formal writing because it may appear that you are not treating the topic seriously.