Grammar Structure: Interjections - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

Definition of Interjections:

Interjections are words or phrases used to express strong emotions or sudden feelings. They are often followed by an exclamation mark (!) when the emotion is strong. Interjections can stand alone or be incorporated into sentences and are typically used in spoken language more than in formal writing.

 

Examples of Interjections:

- Joy: Yay! Hooray!

- Surprise: Wow! Oh!

- Pain: Ouch! Oh no!

- Anger: Grr! Damn!

- Greeting: Hi! Hello!

 

Features of Interjections:

1. Express Emotion: Interjections convey feelings such as joy, surprise, pain, anger, etc.

2. Stand-Alone Words: They can function as single words without needing other parts of speech.

3. Punctuation:  Often followed by an exclamation mark to emphasise emotion.

4. Position: Usually appears at the beginning of a sentence but can also be found in the middle or end.

5. Informality: Commonly used in informal spoken language and dialogue.

 

Types of Interjections:

1. Primary Interjections: Words that are purely interjections (e.g., "Wow!", "Ouch!", "Hooray!").

2. Secondary Interjections: Words that usually belong to other parts of speech but are used as interjections (e.g., "Oh!", "Well!", "Indeed!").

 

Functions of Interjections:

1. Express Emotions: Convey the speaker's feelings or reactions.

2. Catch Attention: Grab the listener's attention.

3. Fillers: Sometimes used to fill gaps in speech, giving the speaker time to think (e.g., "Um", "Uh").

4. Social Interactions: Used in greetings, farewells, or casual conversation starters (e.g., "Hi!", "Goodbye!", "Hey!").

 

Examples in Sentences:

Wow! That's a beautiful painting.

Oh no! I forgot my homework.

Hooray! We won the match.

Ouch! That hurts!

Hey! Look over there.

 

Practice Activities:

1. Identify Interjections:

Read the following sentences and identify the interjections.

     - "Oh! I didn't see you there."

     - "Hurray! We are going on vacation."

     - "Ouch! That bee sting really hurt."

     - "Wow! This place is amazing."

     - "Hello! How are you today?"

 

2. Use Interjections in Sentences:

  Create sentences using the following interjections: "Hey!", "Ouch!", "Wow!", "Oops!", "Yay!"

 

3. Role-Playing:

Pair up with a classmate and create a short dialogue using interjections to express different emotions.