Function of Interjection in a Sentence | Definition, Uses + Examples

Let’s learn the function of interjections in sentences with clear definitions, practical uses, and engaging examples. Enhance your writing with emotional expression after getting to know everything about interjections in a sentence.

margaret-atwood
Margaret Atwood

Published on: 23-12-2024

Reviewed by: Margaret Atwood

Do you have a pet phrase? Like some words you use very often? Whenever something unexpected happens or to express a feeling. As for me, I say “damn!” unconsciously.

These words are known as interjections in English grammar. They usually have no meaning, but they deliver our expressions in writing or speech.

In this article, I will explain what they are and how you can use them effectively in your conversations and writing. Let’s start with the basics.

What is an interjection?

Interjections are words or phrases we use to express emotions, to emphasize, or to demand something. This is a part of speech people mostly learn last.

Interjections have no particular place in a sentence. Some are used at the start, some at the end, or some in the middle, depending on the type of sentence and the expression we want to deliver.

We use them more often than you might realize. They are a common part of our daily life communication. Some interjections are even used in formal and academic writing. We will discuss them in the later sections of this article.

How are interjections used in a sentence?

As I said before, interjections do not have a specific place in a sentence. They are not even grammatically connected to other parts of a sentence. For that, using them or not using them does not change the meaning of the sentence.

  • Ouch! It hurts
  • Man! I hate it
  • What? Why would you do that?

These sentences can simply be:

  • It hurts
  • I hate it
  • Why would you do that?

The message delivered by sentences does not change with interjections; they just add a bit of emotion and emphasis. In fact, they can be used independently too, and they will express your feelings. Like:

  • What the hell!
  • Hmmm.
  • What?

Have you noticed something in the above examples? All of them have punctuation at the end, like exclamatory sentences. That’s how you are supposed to use them.

Punctuations with interjections

What punctuation will go with your interjection depends on the type and intensity of your emotion. If the emotion is intense and requires to be emphasized, the exclamation mark should be used.

  • We won the match. Hurray!
  • Alas! My grandmother died today.

You will see just a period after an interjection that is just an expression, or the emotion is less intense.

  • Oh. I didn’t know that.
  • Hmmm. That’s yummy.

A question mark is also sometimes used after an interjection. That’s when we have to express uncertainty or interrogate to ask something.

  • Hmm?
  • But why? Why would you do that?

When we use the interjections in the middle of a sentence, they have to be set apart from other words using commas.

  • Did you, gosh, see how fast that car was going?
  • This is, hmm, the best choice we have.

Types of interjections

Interjections are particularly divided into 6 main types and each type has a particular role. Here is a detailed explanation of each type that would help you in complete understanding of interjections, such as:

1. Primary interjections

Primary interjections are not words; they are just sounds. We express them with the exact spellings of the sound (e.g., “psst!” or “shhhh!”).

As they are not proper words, we cannot use them as any other word like a noun, pronoun, or adjective. They will always be used as an interjection only.

For example:

  • Achoo! Sorry about that. I have a cold.
  • Uh-oh! I made a mistake.
  • Phew! That was close.

2. Secondary interjections

Secondary interjections are the words normally used as other parts of speech (such as nouns, verbs, or adjectives), but we use them to express our thoughts, and they become interjections.

For example:

  • Goodness! I was that close to an accident.
  • Shoot! I will be late again.
  • Awesome! That is some trick.

3. Volitive interjections

Do you know imperative sentences that are used to give commands, suggestions, or requests?

When an interjection is used to do what imperative sentences do, they are called volitive interjections. For example, the volitive interjection “ahem” is used to command someone to pay attention.

For example:

  • Shh! Keep quiet.
  • Psst. Can you pass me the ketchup?
  • Ahem. Pay attention to my words.

4. Emotive interjections

Words that we utter in reaction to something are emotive interjections. Again, they may or may not be proper words, like they could be just sounds. But they express our emotions well.

Even curse words (also called expletives) that we say as a reaction are also emotive interjections as they express frustration, anger, or shock.

For example:

  • Ew. Is that even edible?
  • Yay! My grandparents are here.
  • Bloody hell! Not you again.

5. Cognitive interjections

Ever noticed that we make sounds when we think also? Like the “um” that expresses confusion or indicates that we are thinking. These sounds make cognitive interjections when represented in words.

For example:

  • Um, I don’t get it; come again.
  • Wow! What was that?
  • Eureka! I’ve got the last piece of the puzzle.

6. Greetings and parting words

As I said, we use interjections more than we realize; the words we use to welcome somebody or to wish at the end of a conversation are also interjections.

For example:

    • Hey! How are you?
    • Hello! Good to see you.
  • Bye!
  • See you soon! Drive safe.

All of these interjection types are common in human communications. You might not realize it, but they are.

That is why you will find them in AI-generated content as well. I know a great writing assistant tool, the AI sentence rewriter; it has multiple modes of rephrasing.

It uses interjections in modes like formal, casual, creative, fluency, and first person. But do not use them in informal, professional, and academic modes, just as it is supposed to be.

This tool knows what conversations have interjections and what do not. You should try this tool to incorporate interjections in your writings; it will improve the emotional appeal in them, and you will also learn to use interjections.

Examples of interjections in sentences

When you are already late for work and the person in front of you is moving very slowly.

  • Come on! Move it. I don’t have the whole day.

You went to a party and found an old friend there. How will you greet them?

  • Hey! Long time no see. Where have you been for so long?

Your sister made a cake for the first time, and it looks disgusting.

  • Ew. Is this a cake or a dung cake? I am going to puke.

She was upset about that and tried again the next day; that one is good.

  • Hmm! Now that’s more like it. It’s delicious.

You want more sprinkles on the cake, but they are on the other side of the dining table. You have to ask your sister to pass it.

  • Ahem. Please pass me those sprinkles. I would like some more on my cake.

You are in a library, looking for a book to write an assignment. Some students are talking about politics. One of them gets hyper, and his voice gets high. The librarian comes and says:

  • Shhh! Does this look like a garden to you? Keep quiet! You are in a library.

You are in a class and the teacher comes in. As soon as she settles on her rostrum, she asks to submit the assignment she gave last week. You forgot to complete it. What will be your expression?

  • Is today, oh shoot, the last day to submit the assignment?

Now you have to ask the teacher to give you an extension for the assignment.

  • Excuse me! Can you please give me an extension to submit the assignment? I got sick last week after eating the cake my sister made for me.

Conclusion

Interjections are small yet powerful elements in both spoken and written communication. They add emotion, emphasize key points, and even help manage social interactions like greetings and commands.

They might seem insignificant or informal, but interjections play an essential role in delivering expressions that simple sentences might miss.

Whether you're using them in casual conversations or formal writing, knowing when and how to employ interjections will enhance your ability to connect with your audience and convey your message more effectively.

Use them in your normal conversations and point them out whenever talking to somebody. It will help you improve a lot.

Frequently asked questions

Where are interjections most commonly used?

They are mostly used wherever you want to use them. If you have a feeling to express, go for an interjection, there is no fixed place for them in the sentence. Even though some interjections do not have proper spelling.

What is the function of an interjection?

Interjections are used to express a feeling, emphasize something, or request something. They are not direct words used for emotions but the sounds or some combination of alphabets that hunt some feeling or demand.

What are the rules for interjections?

That is the beauty of interjections; there are not many rules to follow. Whatever you feel, you can express it through interjections: in the way you want, in the place you like in the sentence.

Additional guides

External resources