Interject

Interject is a verb meaning to insert a comment, remark, or interruption into a conversation or discourse, often to express a reaction, objection, or clarification. It can be used in spoken dialogue, informal conversation, or formal discussion, and it may be brief or extended depending on the context. Interjecting can serve to contribute information, redirect attention, or express a stance without necessarily ending the current speaker’s turn.

Etymology and form: interject derives from Latin roots meaning “to throw between,” from inter- (between) and iacere (to throw). In English, it historically entered through influences that describe placing a remark between statements. The verb is closely related to the noun interjection, which denotes a word or phrase expressing emotion or exclamation, and to the broader class of discourse markers and parenthetical remarks.

Usage in writing and speech: In dialogue, interjections are often set off by punctuation such as commas or dashes and may appear as brief phrases like “well,” “however,” or “indeed.” They can be used to express hesitation, agreement, surprise, or a clarifying point. Distinguishing interjecting from interrupting is important: interjecting adds content or nuance, whereas interrupting may cut off the speaker’s turn. Writers may control the impact of an interjection through syntax, tone, and placement within a sentence.

Related concepts: Interjection (the term for an exclamatory word or phrase), discourse markers, and fillers are all related in how they convey speaker attitude or manage conversational flow. Interjects can affect pacing, emphasis, and the perceived dynamics of an exchange.