Interjections

Primary vs. secondary

Primary interjections

  • Words used only as interjections

  • Not normal nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.

  • Pure reaction words

  • Typically more emotional and spontaneous

Examples:
oh, ah, oops, ouch, erm, wow, phew, ugh

Test: If the word cannot normally function in a sentence as a noun/verb/etc., it is primary.

Oh, I see.
Ouch! That hurts.

Secondary interjections

  • Ordinary words used like interjections

  • Still belong to another word class

  • Often slightly less emotional, more controlled or rhetorical

Examples:
right, well, goodness, brilliant, bloody hell

Test: If the word can function normally in a sentence, it is secondary.

Goodness, that’s loud.
(but also: Her goodness impressed everyone.)

When to use primary vs secondary

Use primary interjections when:

  • Showing spontaneous emotion

  • Writing natural dialogue

  • Expressing pain, shock, disgust, surprise

  • Representing speech realistically

Wow! That’s amazing.
Oops, I forgot.

They feel immediate and expressive.

Use secondary interjections when:

  • You want a slightly more controlled tone

  • Managing discourse (starting, shifting, responding)

  • Softening statements

  • Expressing mild emotion without sounding childish

Right, let’s begin.
Well, I’m not sure about that.
Goodness, that’s unusual.

They often feel more conversational than emotional.

How to use interjections correctly in writing

Use mainly in informal contexts

Interjections are common in:

  • Dialogue

  • Fiction

  • Emails / messages

  • Informal essays

They are rare in:

  • Academic writing

  • Formal reports

  • Professional documents

Punctuation

Strong emotion → exclamation mark

Ouch!
Wow!

Milder reaction → comma

Oh, I didn’t realise.
Well, I’m not sure.

Do not overuse exclamation marks.

Position

Most interjections appear:

  • At the beginning of a sentence

  • Separated by a comma or exclamation mark

Right, let’s begin.
Ah, now I understand.

They are usually grammatically separate from the clause.

Avoid overuse

Too many interjections:

  • Make writing childish

  • Reduce impact

  • Sound melodramatic

Better:

Oh no. I forgot the keys.

Not:

Oh! Oh no! Wow! I forgot the keys!

Very short rule

  • Primary = pure, spontaneous reaction.

  • Secondary = normal word used as a reaction.

  • Primary = more emotional.

  • Secondary = more conversational/discursive.

  • Use mainly in informal writing.

  • Punctuate carefully.

  • Don’t overuse.