An interjection is an abrupt remark, usually punctuated with an exclamation point. They indicate excitement, fear, or other extreme reactions. The following collection of worksheets will help your students identify and use interjections correctly. Activities include identifying interjections within sentences, writing interjections that match the sentence, correcting wrong interjections, choosing interjections based on picture clues, and more. Please note: While answer sheets have been provided, in some cases, answers will vary by student. Fun Project Idea: Have your students perform the Schoolhouse Rock "Interjections!" song (available on YouTube) for extra reinforcement of the definition and use of interjections.
Print Interjection Worksheets
Click the buttons to print each worksheet and associated answer key.
Exercise 1 : Underlining
In the following sentences, underline where that emotion starts to creep out a bite more.
Exercise 2 : Circle
This follows the same pattern as the previous worksheet. Looks like a good way to start off.
Rewrite Exercise 1
The interjections in the sentences below are wrong. Rewrite the sentences, using them proper. Write sentences that actually make sense and convey a complete thought.
Rewrite Exercise 2
Examples: Bingo, you must be quiet in the library. Congratulations, the skunk sprayed the dog.
Rewrite Interjections Exercise 3
More examples: Bug off on your job interview. Shh, that was the funniest joke ever.
Last Rewrite Worksheet
Examples: Ugh, after the ball game we're going for ice cream. Oh boy I just got a splinter in my finger.
The Last Picture Match
I really think the balloon ride can be described differently depending on your thrill and fear levels.
How to Use Interjections in a Sentence
This part of speech is often found more commonly in informal settings where it be written or vocal speech. They are created by a single word or phrase. In some cases, they can even be a short clause. The importance of this type of language is that they help you convey your feelings and emotions better in your sentences. There are many different forms that interjections can take on. They can be used as adjectives, nouns, and even sounds. For example, they can be used to mimic a sound in the series: Whew! That was a close one! As we can see, just from that example, they can help author get some real emotion out of their written work.
While they can be used to break up the monotony of text and add some flair to your writing, they can also come across as unprofessional if you overuse them or use them in an inappropriate context. Luckily, once you learn how to use interjections in sentences, you'll be able to work them into your writing while maintaining a positive image and showing off your personality as well.
What are Interjections?
An interjection can be an exclamation, an idea of surprise, or an expression of emotion, but it most often expresses extreme feelings toward what you're writing about. In English, interjections usually fall into one of four categories:
- Exclamations (Oh no!),
- Commands (Hey there!),
- Questions (Is it just me, or is it cold in here?)
- Greetings (Hi there! Good morning! How are you? How have you been?
Examples
Interjections show intensity and surprise; they help break the text into separate parts and add drama; here are just a few examples:
Example #1: You're walking along, and suddenly a car nearly mows you down. Watch where you're going! You yell at the other driver -an interjection.
Example #2: You see your friend has a new puppy and say, Oh, how cute! -another interjection.
When you read interjections on paper or hear them in speech, they can seem superfluous; after all, when someone yells at a motorist for almost hitting him with his car, it's pretty obvious what he's feeling: frustration and anger. But when we leave out our feelings when speaking with others-even though they are often evident in the tone of voice or body language-they are more noticeable in writing.
When to Use Them in a Sentence?
An interjection is used in a sentence when the author wants the reader to pay attention and make sure they read what comes next. Anything that causes a sudden reaction or emotion can be inserted using an interjection: surprise, admiration, and excitement. But also anger, sadness, and frustration.
Tips for Using Them in the Future:
Here are some tips to get you started with how to use interjections in a sentence.
Tip #1: Find a Balance
If you have no idea where to start, look at how many you typically use in everyday speech or on social media. Then, try not to go over that number when writing formal documents such as letters or business emails. You want readers to be engaged but not distracted by your words.
Tip #2: Keep Them Short and Sweet
The best ones to use are short and sweet, often one or two syllables only. That doesn't mean that long ones aren't effective-some could even make you sound more knowledgeable than a simple yes or no-but keep it short, so readers aren't tempted to skip over them.
Tip #3: Try to Avoid Repetition
Using multiple interjections in quick succession will make your writing seem choppy. Instead, use an adjective or adverb to describe how you feel about something rather than relying on another exclamation point. It may take a little longer to write out what you're trying to say, but it will later pay off in readability and professionalism.
Ending Thoughts
When it comes to writing, less is more. Aim for short, concise sentences that grab your reader's attention. Be inventive with your use of language and find ways to express yourself succinctly. Using these types of terms can be a great way to do just that because these words get straight to their point by adding emotion and urgency to a sentence.