Filler Words in English

Often when we’re having a conversation with someone, we end up using a lot of filler words. Filler words are things that people say to fill in empty spaces in conversation, or use when they’re trying to find their train of thought (what they were thinking about). They don’t hold their usual meaning, and don’t have an impact on the meaning of the sentence. Each language has different filler words, and English has A LOT of them. I end up using filler words constantly when I’m speaking, and often I use them unconsciously (without thinking).

If you want to sound really fluent in English, here are some filler words you can practice using while you talk. Give them a try, and after a while they’ll start to feel natural when you’re speaking.

Um/Uh

Two of the most common filler words in English are um and uh. These two words are used to fill in pauses in conversation when you’re thinking and aren’t sure how to continue.

For example:

• Have you seen the….um…that new movie with the guy from The Avengers…uh…I can’t remember his name.
• Uh…what’s new with you?

Like

Using like to fill in empty spaces in conversation was very common when I was growing up. So much so, that this is a hard filler for me to stop saying! There’s a stereotype that if you say like a lot in a conversation, that you can end up sounding dumb. But…like…I don’t know what else to say sometimes!

For example:

• Like, I know what he means, but I don’t agree with it.
• So like, I really want to go away this weekend, but I just don’t have the time.

I mean

This is a filler that I also use a lot. I say this often when I’m trying to get my thoughts together and figure out exactly what I want to say. It also can be used to clarify (specify, make clear) what you want to say in a conversation. Have you used this one in conversation before?

For example:

• I mean, I enjoy hanging out with her, but not all the time.
• It’s just…I mean...I’m having a hard time dealing with that right now.

Just

While just can mean only or having to do with the law, as a filler word, it holds no meaning at all. It’s purely used to fill space and allow the speaker to clarify what they mean or buy them time in a conversation.

For example:

• She told me she wants to see that, it’s just…I’m not sure if I believe her.
• I really don’t have time for that right now. Please stop asking. Just…ok?

Or something

Or something is a filler that is typically used at the end of a sentence. It’s used a lot when you can’t remember exactly what you wanted to say, or aren’t sure of the point you were trying to make…or something like that.

For example:

• I told him I couldn’t make it tonight. I want to just spend time at home, or something.
• It’s been really hard to make new friends here. I guess it’ll take time, or something.

Now that you know these filler words in English, be on the lookout for them while speaking with your friends! Can you pick them out in a conversation? Make sure to share some of your language’s fillers in the comments below!