This is a complete and advanced-level theory of Interjections designed for UPSC, State PSC, CDS, CAPF, and other high-level competitive exams.
1️⃣ Definition of Interjection
An Interjection is a word or phrase that expresses a sudden feeling, emotion, or reaction.
- It is independent of other sentence elements.
- Often punctuated with an exclamation mark (!) in writing.
Examples:
- Wow! That was amazing.
- Alas! He missed the train.
- Ouch! That hurts.
2️⃣ Types of Interjections (Advanced Classification)
(A) Interjection of Surprise / Astonishment
- Oh! Wow! Ah!
✔ Wow! That’s a brilliant idea.
✔ Oh! I didn’t see you there.
(B) Interjection of Joy / Happiness
- Hurrah! Hooray! Bravo!
✔ Hurrah! We won the match.
✔ Bravo! Well done.
(C) Interjection of Pain / Distress
- Ouch! Alas! Oh no!
✔ Ouch! That hurt badly.
✔ Alas! The plan failed.
(D) Interjection of Greeting / Salutation
- Hello! Hi! Welcome!
✔ Hello! How are you today?
✔ Welcome! Glad to have you here.
(E) Interjection of Command / Warning
- Stop! Look out! Beware!
✔ Stop! Don’t cross the road.
✔ Look out! There’s a car coming.
(F) Interjection of Doubt / Hesitation
- Hmm! Well! Ah!
✔ Hmm… I am not sure about this.
✔ Well! I suppose it’s okay.
3️⃣ Characteristics of Interjections
- Usually short and abrupt words.
- Express emotion or feeling clearly.
- Often followed by exclamation mark, sometimes comma or period.
- Independent — not grammatically connected to other parts of the sentence.
Example:
- Bravo! You performed excellently.
- Alas, he could not complete the task.
4️⃣ Position of Interjections
- Usually at the beginning of a sentence
✔ Oh! I forgot my wallet. - Can also appear mid-sentence
✔ I was, oh!, completely surprised by the news. - Sometimes at the end
✔ You did well, bravo!
5️⃣ Interjections in Formal Writing
- Rarely used in formal writing, except for literary or rhetorical effect.
- Often replaced with phrases expressing the emotion.
Example:
- Informal → Alas! The treaty failed.
- Formal → It is unfortunate that the treaty failed.
6️⃣ Interjections in UPSC / PSC Exams
- Often tested in error detection / sentence improvement questions.
- Correct punctuation is important.
- Differentiation from other parts of speech (like nouns or verbs) is tested.
Example Questions:
- Identify the interjection in: “Wow! That was an incredible performance.”
- Choose the correct punctuation: “Alas / Alas!”
7️⃣ Common Interjection Words List (Advanced)
| Emotion | Interjections |
|---|---|
| Surprise / Astonishment | Oh!, Wow!, Ah! |
| Joy / Happiness | Hurrah!, Hooray!, Bravo! |
| Pain / Distress | Ouch!, Alas!, Oh no! |
| Greeting / Salutation | Hello!, Hi!, Welcome! |
| Command / Warning | Stop!, Look out!, Beware! |
| Doubt / Hesitation | Hmm!, Well!, Ah! |
8️⃣ Difference Between Interjection and Other Parts of Speech
| Feature | Interjection | Noun / Verb / Adjective |
|---|---|---|
| Expresses emotion | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Grammatically independent | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually connected |
| Punctuation | Often exclamation mark | Usually none |
| Examples | Wow!, Alas! | Dog, run, strong |
9️⃣ Tips for UPSC / PSC
- Memorize common interjections and their context.
- Pay attention to punctuation.
- Identify interjections in error detection and sentence improvement questions.
- Remember that interjections do not change form.
🎯 What UPSC / PSC Tests in Interjections
- Correct identification of interjection in a sentence
- Correct punctuation after interjection
- Differentiation from nouns, verbs, and adjectives
- Appropriate usage in context (literary or expressive)