Interjections are short words or phrases that are used to express sudden feelings or emotions. They help express reactions such as surprise, joy, anger, pain, or excitement. Words like “wow,” “ouch,” “hey,” and “hurrah” are common examples of interjections.
In this article, we will discuss interjections in English with examples and meanings. Let’s start learning it in a quick and easy way.
What Are Interjections?
An interjection is a short word or phrase used to show sudden emotion or reaction.
It can express happiness, sadness, anger, or excitement—and usually stands alone, followed by an exclamation mark.
Example:
- Wow! That’s a beautiful painting.
- Oops! I dropped my pen.
Interjections are a key part of natural English conversation. They help speakers sound more expressive and less robotic—which makes learning them essential for ESL learners.
Types of Interjections with Examples and Meanings
1. Interjections for Annoyance
Examples: Oy! Hey!
Meaning: Used to show irritation or frustration.
Example Sentence: Hey! Stop making that noise.
2. Interjections for Boredom
Examples: Hum! Sigh!
Meaning: Show lack of interest or tiredness.
Example Sentence: Sigh! This class feels so long today.
3. Interjections for Disapproval
Examples: Tsk tsk! Tut!
Meaning: Express mild criticism or disappointment.
Example Sentence: Tut! You should have been more careful.
4. Interjections for Disgust
Examples: Ew! Yuk!
Meaning: Used when something seems unpleasant or gross.
Example Sentence: Ew! This milk smells bad.
5. Interjections for Dismay
Examples: Oh no! Oops!
Meaning: Show surprise, worry, or mild shock.
Example Sentence: Oops! I forgot my homework.
6. Interjections for Dissatisfaction
Examples: Aah! Blast!
Meaning: Express anger or irritation when something goes wrong.
Example Sentence: Blast! I missed the last bus.
7. Interjections for Doubt
Examples: Really?, Um…
Meaning: Show hesitation or uncertainty.
Example Sentence: Really? Are you sure about that?
8. Interjections for Embarrassment
Examples: Ahem! Yikes!
Meaning: Used when someone feels awkward or uncomfortable.
Example Sentence: Ahem! I think you’re sitting in my chair.
9. Interjections for Joy
Examples: Hurrah! Woo-hoo!
Meaning: Express happiness, success, or celebration.
Example Sentence: Hurrah! We won the game!
10. Interjections for Pain
Examples: Ouch! Ow!
Meaning: Show physical pain or injury.
Example Sentence: Ouch! That bee stung me!
11. Interjections for Panic
Examples: Eek! Aargh!
Meaning: Express fear, shock, or sudden fright.
Example Sentence: Eek! There’s a spider on the wall!
12. Interjections for Pleasure
Examples: Mmm! and Yeah!
Meaning: Used when something feels nice or satisfying.
Example Sentence: Mmm! This ice cream tastes amazing.
13. Interjections for Realization
Examples: Aha! Eureka!
Meaning: To show sudden understanding or discovery.
Example Sentence: Aha! Now I get the answer.
14. Interjections for Relief
Examples: Phew! Whoa!
Meaning: Express comfort after fear, effort, or tension.
Example Sentence: Phew! That test was easier than I thought.
15. Interjections for Surprise
Examples: Oh! Jeepers!
Meaning: Show astonishment, wonder, or disbelief.
Example Sentence: Oh! I didn’t know you were here.
How to Use Interjections in Sentences
Interjections can appear at the start, middle, or end of a sentence—depending on emotion or tone.
Examples:
- Wow! You look great today.
- That was, um, unexpected.
- We won the match, hooray!
Tips: Most interjections stand alone and end with an exclamation mark (!).
Examples chart for practice
| Emotion | Interjection | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Joy | Hurrah! | Hurrah! We finished our project. |
| Pain | Ouch! | Ouch! My finger got hurt. |
| Surprise | Oh! | Oh! What a lovely surprise. |
| Disgust | Yuk! | Yuk! This tastes terrible. |
| Relief | Phew! | Phew! The rain finally stopped. |
Why Interjections Are Important
Interjections make language emotional, natural, and human. They:
- Show real feelings instantly.
- Add color and tone to conversations.
- Help in storytelling, dialogue writing, and everyday English.
For ESL learners, mastering interjections improves fluency, listening skills, and confidence when speaking.
Conclusion
Interjections are small but powerful! They help you speak with emotion, respond naturally, and bring conversations to life. Start using words like “wow,” “ouch,” and “hooray” to express yourself clearly and confidently.