interject
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To say something suddenly or abruptly, especially as an interruption or to insert a remark into a conversation.
To introduce or insert something (a comment, remark, opinion) abruptly into a conversation, discourse, or process.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a verb. Often implies an interruption or an unsolicited insertion. It can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation, suggesting the remark breaks the flow.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used with equal specificity in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly formal in both varieties; can imply a degree of rudeness or abruptness.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, more common in written narratives and formal speech than in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] interjects [that-clause/Object] (into [conversation/debate])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To throw in one's two cents (related, informal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in meetings: 'Before we finalise, may I interject with a concern about the timeline?'
Academic
Used in debates or seminars: 'The scholar felt obliged to interject a methodological critique.'
Everyday
Used when interrupting a story or argument among friends: 'Sorry to interject, but did you say you saw him yesterday?'
Technical
Rare in highly technical contexts; more common in discourse analysis or communication studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He felt he had to interject before the misunderstanding grew.
- She interjected a note of caution into the enthusiastic planning.
American English
- I hate to interject, but we're running out of time.
- He interjected that the data might not support that conclusion.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He listened quietly, waiting for a chance to interject.
- My dad always interjects when we're talking about football.
- The chairman allowed her to interject with a crucial point of order.
- It's considered rude to constantly interject while someone else is speaking.
- Amidst the technical discussion, she interjected a pertinent question about ethical implications.
- The narrative is periodically interjected with the author's personal reflections.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'JECT' as in 'inJECT' or 'proJECT' – you're 'throwing in' a comment. INTER (between) + JECT (throw) = to throw between.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS A FLOW / COMMENT IS AN OBJECT INSERTED INTO A STREAM.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as вмешиваться (вместо) which is broader. More precise: вставить ремарку, прервать речь.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'interject' with 'inject' (to introduce a substance).
- Using it in excessively casual contexts where 'butt in' or 'cut in' is more natural.
- Incorrect preposition: 'interject to the conversation' instead of 'interject into the conversation'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'interject' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently, but it often describes an action that can be perceived as an interruption. Context and tone determine politeness.
Yes, it's commonly used in written narratives to describe a character interrupting dialogue (e.g., 'he interjected').
The direct noun is 'interjection', but this more commonly refers to the part of speech (e.g., 'Oh!', 'Wow!'). The act of interjecting can be called an 'interjection' or simply an 'interruption'.
'Interrupt' is broader and can refer to stopping a process or person completely. 'Interject' is specific to inserting a verbal remark into an ongoing conversation without necessarily stopping it entirely.