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 that’s what I call a good shot! Bravo!
Both Ah and Bravo are interjections used to show the speaker’s 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 monster’s 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! That’s 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, it’s been around a week since I saw her.
Oops
Making a mistake
Oops! Sorry I didn’t 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 teacher’s caught him.
Whew
Amazement and/or relief
Whew! I can’t believe we actually finished it all.
Wow
Expressing surprise or admiration
Wow! That’s really great news!
Yay/Yaay
Congratulatory exclamation
I can’t believe you’re actually coming here! Yaay!
Yeah
Variant of ‘yes’
Yeah, I’d love some orange juice.
Yikes
For fear or concern (not serious)
Yikes, my mother’s 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 doesn’t 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, I’m not sure this colour is the best for this room.
Er
Not knowing what to say
I don’t think…er… wait… let me call my boss.
Um
Pausing or being skeptical
Not that I don’t believe you but, um, you say it’s a ghost?

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