Words like Hey! Hurray! Wuhoo! Oh my! (and many more) help us express sudden emotions or strong feelings. These words are called Interjections.
They are usually used at the start of a sentence and may express surprise, disgust, shock, joy or excitement. Also, they are not grammatically related to the rest of the sentence.
Ouch! That hurt!
Boo-yah! I won!
Interjections are very common in speech and can be used when writing dialogues.
Oh Snap! I forgot my wallet at home!
Whoa! That’s awesome!
However, Interjections should not be used in formal contexts, so do not send an e-mail to your boss saying:
Hey! I have sent the reports to you.
Yo! What’s going on?
Placement of Interjections
There is no strict rule governing the placement of interjections. An interjection can be placed either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence. They can also be used alone-just make sure you have explained the situation before otherwise it may become a little difficult to understand what you are saying.
Eureka! I’ve solved the equation!
You bought that expensive red dress? Wow!
There are some instances where you can use an interjection even in the middle of a sentence.
I may not have won, but, hey, at least I tried!
I forgot to finish the project (oops), but my teacher gave me some extra time.
How to Punctuate Interjections
- Strong emotions like anger, shock or excitement are followed by an exclamation mark.
Ugh! What is that greenish substance?
- A comma or period can be used in case of milder emotions like doubt or indifference.
Well, I do not really know what she wants.
- Uncertainty, confusion and disbelief require a question mark.
Huh? What does that mean?
So you know all the interjections now! Hurray!