Interjections

Interjections are small words that bear no grammatical connection with the sentences in which they are
used. They express the emotions or sentiments of the speaker or convey hesitation or protest. They are
usually followed by an exclamation mark.
Since many interjections are mainly written forms of actual sounds that were produced by humans, they are
hardly used in academic or scholarly writing, unless they are a part of a direct quote or otherwise.
Ah! Now thats what I call a good shot! Bravo!
Both Ah and Bravo are interjections used to show the speakers admiration in the sentence. There are
many different uses for various interjections; the following is a list of the common interjections you may
hear around you in daily life -
Interjection Meaning Use
Aah Exclamation of fear Aah! The monsters got me!
Ahh
Realization or
acceptance
Ahh, now I see what you mean.
Aww Something sweet or cute Aww! Just look at that kitten.
Bingo
Acknowledge something
as right
Bingo! Thats exactly what we were
looking for!
Eh Question something So that was all she said, eh?
Eww Something disgusting Eww! That movie was so gory.
Hmph To indicate displeasure
Hmph. I could do that for half the
amount he charged.
Oh I see/ I think
Oh, its been around a week since I
saw her.
Oops Making a mistake
Oops! Sorry I didnt see those skates
there.
Ouch Exclamation of pain Ouch, that hurt! Stop pinching me!
Shh An indication for silence Shh! The show is about to start.
Uh oh Showing dismay Uh oh! The teachers caught him.
Whew Amazement and/or relief
Whew! I cant believe we actually
finished it all.
Wow
Expressing surprise or
Wow! Thats really great news!
admiration
Yay/Yaay
Congratulatory
exclamation
I cant believe youre actually
coming here! Yaay!
Yeah Variant of yes Yeah, Id love some orange juice.
Yikes
For fear or concern (not
serious)
Yikes, my mothers home!
Yippee
Exclamation of
celebration
Yippee! We won, lets head to the
bar.
Some interjections are used to stall for time or indicate that the speaker is thinking of something. These
interjections are also used when someone doesnt know what to say. The following is a list of these sounds
or words; they are also called Hesitation Devices -
Interjection Meaning Use
Uh
Indicates a pause/ need
for more time
Wait I know this uh is it
Ruskin Bond?
Hmm
Thinking/Hesitating about
something
Hmm, Im not sure this colour is
the best for this room.
Er Not knowing what to say
I dont thinker wait let me
call my boss.
Um Pausing or being skeptical
Not that I dont believe you but,
um, you say its a ghost?