An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses a sudden emotion. Interjections are used to exclaim, protest or react. They can stand by themselves. They may also appear within larger structures.
- Hurrah! We’ve won!
- Alas, she’s dead now.
Mild interjections are usually set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma. More powerful interjections are followed by an exclamation mark.
Here is a list of common interjections in English.
Ah
This expression can express ideas such as pleasure and surprise.
- Ah! It feels good.
- Ah! I’ve passed.
Alas
This word expresses pity or grief.
- Alas, we’ve lost.
Eh
The word eh has several meanings. It can be used to ask for repetition or to make an enquiry.
- ‘I’m going.’ ‘Eh?’ ‘I said I’m going.’
- ‘What do you think of my new hairstyle, eh?’
‘Eh’ can also express surprise.
- ‘I’ve won.’ ‘Eh! Really?’
Hey
This word is mainly used to call attention.
- ‘Hey! Where are you going?’
Hi
This is a word used to greet people.
- ‘Hi John. How’re you?’
Hmm
This word expresses doubt or hesitation.
- ‘Hmm. Let’s me see.’
Oh
This word expresses surprise.
- ‘Oh! You both know each other.’
‘Oh’ can also express pain.
- ‘Oh! I’ve got a bad headache.’
Ouch
This word mainly expresses pain.
- ‘Ouch! That hurts really badly!’
Well
This word is commonly used to introduce a remark.
- ‘Well, how did he react?’
- ‘Well, we are not exactly interested in this.’