Is WOW An Interjection? 5 Facts (When, Why & Examples)

There are certain interjections that can be used to express our different emotions. Let us see the use of the word “wow” as an interjection.

The word ” wow” can certainly be marked as an “interjection,” as the word “wow” helps us to express our inner emotions in a single word instead of a long sentence while not playing any grammatical role.

Now, we will learn important explanations related to the use of the interjection “wow.”

When is “wow” considered as an interjection?

Different types of interjections can be used to express different types of emotions in the human mind. Let us see if the word “wow” can be considered an interjection or not.

The word “wow” can be considered an interjection when the respective word shows one of the below-listed emotions.

Use of the interjection “wow”ExampleExplanation
1. To express “surprise”Wow! I am surprised that you have cleared the qualifying hurdle in just one attempt!The word “wow” can certainly be marked as an interjection as the word is in use to show the emotion of “surprise” of the speaker about the ability of the addressed person to qualify the hurdle in the first attempt.
2. To express “wonder”Wow! The place has changed a lot since my last excursion!The word “wow” can certainly be marked as an interjection as the word is in use to show the emotion of “wonder” of the speaker about the change of the place.
3. To express “pleasure”Wow, it is completely my pleasure to welcome you all to my birthday party!The word “wow” can certainly be marked as an interjection as the word “wow” is in use to show the emotion of “pleasure” of the speaker to welcome the guests to the birthday party.
Use of the interjection “wow”

What kind of interjection is “wow”?

We can not put all interjections in a single category. Let us check the kind of interjection that the word “wow” carries.

The interjection “wow” comes under the “primary group” of interjections, which shows the following characteristics:

  • The primary group of interjections can not be categorized under any other group of parts of speech.
  • The primary group of interjections does not play any grammatical role in the main sentence. They are totally distinct but have some common emotions with the respective sentences.

We can also categorize the word “wow” under the group of “interjections to show emotions”, which means the word “wow” is mainly used to show strong emotions like surprise, wonder, etc.

Example: Wow! The interior decoration of your office is extremely commendable!

Explanation:

The word “wow” can be marked as an interjection as it expresses the emotion of “wonder” of the speaker about the interior decoration of the office that belongs to the addressed person. The meaning of the interjection and the main clause is the same, though the interjection has no grammatical role to play.

Examples of “wow” as an interjection-

Now, we will understand explanations of sentences that are framed with the interjection “wow.”

ExampleThe emotion expressed by the interjection “wow”Explanation
1. Wow, the dance group that you have formed as a teacher is really appreciable!“wonder”The interjection “wow” is used to show the emotion of “wonder” of the speaker about a dance group. Here, the interjection “wow” does not play any grammatical role, but the emotion of the main clause and the emotion expressed by the interjection “wow” are common.
2. Wow! This garden is really full of unique pink roses.“surprise”The interjection “wow” is used to show the emotion of “surprise” of the speaker about a garden that is full of unique pink roses. Here, the interjection “wow” does not play any grammatical role, but the emotion of the main clause and the emotion expressed by the interjection “wow” are common.
3. Wow! You have really done an amazing job by saving five street dogs.“pleasure”The interjection “wow” is used to show the emotion of “pleasure” of the speaker about an amazing job that was done by the addressed person. Here, the interjection “wow” does not play any grammatical role, but the emotion of the main clause and the emotion expressed by the interjection “wow” are common.
4. Wow, this painting exhibition is a true presentation of newcomers!“wonder”The interjection “wow” is used to show the emotion of “wonder” of the speaker about a painting exhibition. Here, the interjection “wow” does not play any grammatical role, but the emotion of the main clause and the emotion expressed by the interjection “wow” are common.
5. Wow! The device which you have discovered is really an outcome of hard work!“pleasure”The interjection “wow” is used to show the emotion of “pleasure” of the speaker about a discovery that was made by the addressed person. Here, the interjection “wow” does not play any grammatical role, but the emotion of the main clause and the emotion expressed by the interjection “wow” are common.
Examples of “wow” as an interjection

Can “wow” be considered as not an interjection?

There are a few interjections that serve as more than one type of part of speech. Let us check if the word “wow” can be considered an interjection or not.

The interjection “wow” belongs to the “primary group of interjections.” Interjections that belong to this group can not play the role of any other type of part of speech. Thus, the word “wow” can not be used as any other type of part of speech except “interjections”.

Conclusion:

We should use the exclamation mark (!) along with the interjection “wow” because it shows strong emotion. The exclamation mark can be used just after the interjection or at the end of the sentence, but if we are using the exclamation mark at the end of the sentence, then we must put a “comma” after the interjection “wow”.