Interjections

Word Classes (Parts of Speech)

1. Definition

- words that express strong feelings or grab attention.
Ah, Eh, Hallo, Horror, Alack, Good, heavens, Humph, Alas, Good grief, Hey, Indeed

- thrown between sentences or words to grab attention, create interest or highlight the speaker’s strong emotions.

- an independent element because it lacks a grammatical relation to any other part of the sentence; it is a complete thought unto itself.

- Unless quoted – have larger meaning in grammar
e.g “Never” was the last thing anyone heard him say.
Note: Here, “never” serves as the subject of the sentence.


Punctuation of Interjections
- If the interjection is mild; use a comma:
e.g Well, did you find the hotel?

- Stronger interjections, use an exclamation mark:
e.g Heavens! You’re covered with blood.

other links: http://www.arts.uottawa.ca/writcent/hypergrammar/interjct.html