An interjection is a word that is used to show a short sudden expression of emotion. In this post, we’ll look at 20 common English interjections, and you’ll have a chance to practice them doing an exercise.
- Oops – an expression of surprise or feeling sorry about a mistake or slight accident
Examples: 1) Oops! I’ve broken my mom’s favorite cup! 2) Oops! I misspelled my own name!
2. Wow – an expression of surprise
Examples: 1) Wow! What a huge house! 2) Wow! Did you clean your whole house in one day?
3. Yikes /jaɪks/ (usually humorous) – an expression of shock, surprise or worry
Examples: 1) The job interview is tomorrow. Yikes! 2) Did he really pick his nose? Yikes!
4. Ouch /aʊtʃ/ – 1) an expression of sudden physical pain; 2) (humorous) used in answer to something unkind that someones says
Examples: 1) Ouch! Why did you pinch me? 2) I think you are way too lazy. – Ouch! That was mean.
5. Hey – 1) used to get someone’s attention; 2) an expression of surprise and/or questioning
Examples: 1) Hey, mom, wait a second! 2) Hey, what do you think you’re dong?
In the US, hey can be used when greeting someone: Hey, James, what’s up?
6. Gee /dʒiː/ – an expression of surprise or enthusiasm
Examples: 1) Gee, I never though we could get this far. 2) Gee, that looks awesome!
7. Brr – an exclamation which suggests shivering
Examples: 1) Brr, it’s freezing outside! 2) Brr, the water is so cold!
8. Yo – used as an informal greeting between people who know each other well or to get someone’s attention (very informal)
Examples: 1) Yo, Jackie! How are things? 2) Yo, do you hear me?
9. Yay – an expression of great pleasure
Examples: 1) Yay! We are going to finally meet tomorrow. I can’t wait! 2) Did you pass the test? Yay! Congratulations!
10. Phew /fjuː/ – 1) an expression of relief at the fact that something dangerous is over; 2) an expression of strong dislike of a smell; 3) an expression of feeling hot and uncomfortable
Examples: 1) Phew! The interview is over and I can finally relax. 2) Phew, what’s this horrible smell? 3) Phew, it’s scorching hot!
11. Yuck – an expression of disgust
Examples: 1) Yuck! I could never eat that! 2) Do they really eat cockroaches in that part of the world? Yuck!
12. Shh – used to call for silence
Examples: 1) Shh! The baby is sleeping. 2) Shh! I’m trying to concentrate.
13. Uh-oh /ˌʌˈoʊ/ – an expression of alarm or realization of a difficulty
Examples: 1) Uh-oh! The bridge is blocked and we can’t get to the other side of the river. 2) Uh-oh, someone seems to be following us.
14. Boo – an expression used to surprise and frighten someone who doesn’t know you are near them
Examples: 1) Boo! – Peter, you scared the hell out of me! 2) Boo! – Mary, you know I hate it when you scare me like this!
15. Aha /ɑːˈhɑː/ – used when you suddenly understand or realize something
Examples: 1) Aha, that’s how you did it! 2) Aha, now I remember where I put my gloves.
An aha moment is a moment when you suddenly realize or discover something: I had an aha moment after thinking about the problem for 4 hours.
16. Whoa /wəʊ/ – 1) used to ask someone to stop or do something more slowly; 2) an expression of surprise or interest
Examples: 1) Whoa, would you slow down please? 2) Whoa, that looks incredible!
17. Hurray /həˈreɪ/ – used to express excitement, pleasure or approval
Examples: 1) Hurray! It’s time to go home now. 2) Did you ace the test? Hurray!
18. Yippee /ˈjɪp.iː/ – an expression of great satisfaction, excitement and happiness
Examples: 1) Are we going to the beach tomorrow? Yippee! 2) Did you buy cake? Yippee!
19. Yoo-hoo – used to get someone’s attention
Examples: 1) Yoo-hoo, we’re waiting here. 2) Yoo-hoo, look alive (= move more quickly/energetically)
20. Huh /hʌ/ – used when asking a question, or to express surprise
Examples: 1) So, you’re about to start a new job, huh? 2) Huh! I can’t believe you did that!
Practice
Click the link here and choose the right interjection to complete the sentences.
Did you like the post? Make sure you subscribe to our blog for more content like this! 😉
Enguroo Online English School 
Nice article I liked. Void I write similarly on my website and get more attention and sails.
LikeLike