List of interjections

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.’