Quick Fix Solution by Using English Fillers

In reality, even native English speakers use filler words, and they use them often.

Quick Fix Solution by Using English Fillers 

When you think of someone as being a fluent English speaker, you probably think they speak perfectly without stopping. In reality, even native English speakers use filler words, and they use them often. These words are an important part of sounding natural when you speak English.

“English is like, totally fun to learn, you know?”

You’ve probably heard lots of filler words being used in conversations or in movies and TV shows. These might not seem useful, but they are actually a pretty important part of the English language, especially in American English. 

Filler words can be an English learner’s best friends, if you use them correctly and not too often. That’s why here is a list of English filler words which will make you sound like a native speaker. 

Filler words are words (and phrases) that are used to fill silence when you’re speaking. They’re words that don’t add any real value to the sentence. 

They simply keep you going while you come up with the rest of your sentence. Their actual name is “discourse markers,” but they’re much more commonly known as “filler words.” 

You might already use filler words without realizing it. When you can’t think of the right word to use in a sentence, you might say “umm.” This gives you a break while you think, without an awkward, silent pause. 

Since filler words don’t really add any meaning to the sentence, you don’t need to think about using them. This leaves your brain free to think of other things—like the word you’re trying to remember.

You only need to use filler words when you’re speaking with someone. Generally you won’t use fillers when you’re writing. 

When you’re speaking with someone, though, you might need some extra time to figure out what to say. That’s when you can use filler words. 

Sometimes people use certain filler words (“like,” “literally” or “believe me”) when they’re writing online in website comments, chats or social media. This is fine too, since conversations online are very similar to spoken conversations. 

Filler words are used for a number of reasons: 

To show that you’re thinking. Use filler words when you need to think about your answer or statement. For example: “I have basically… ten more years of college.” 

To make a statement less harsh. When your friend has some broccoli stuck between his teeth, you could just tell him, “You have something in your teeth,” but that might make him embarrassed. It might be nicer to say something more like: “Well, you have, um, you have a little something in your teeth.” 

To make your statement weaker or stronger. While filler words don’t add anything to sentences, they can be used to change the sentence tone—the attitude of the sentence. See how different these three statements sound: “I think pugs are cute” is just a regular statement. “Actually, I think pugs are cute” shows contrast—that someone else doesn’t agree. “At the end of the day, I think pugs are cute” is something you might say as a conclusion to a discussion about pugs and their ugly (or cute!) wrinkles. 

To stall for time. To stall for time means to do something to try and gain more time. Filler words are an excellent way to stall when you don’t know how to answer a question, or when you don’t want to. For example, if your teacher asks you “Where’s your homework?,” your response might sound a bit like this: “Uhh. Umm. Well, you see.. My dog ate it.” 

To include the listener in the conversation without ending your sentence. A conversation takes at least two people. Some filler words and phrases can include the other person in the conversation. It’s a bit like reaching out to them as you’re speaking to keep their attention. For example: “It was a really big bear, you know?” This sentence includes the listener without ending your speaking turn. Your listener might nod in agreement, allowing you to continue telling him about the bear. 

As you can see, filler words seem useless at first, but they can be really important! When you think of someone as being a fluent English speaker, you probably think they speak perfectly without stopping. In reality, even native English speakers use filler words, and they use them often. These words are an important part of sounding natural when you speak English.

You’re allowed to pause and think, to be unsure of how to answer, or even to forget the right word to use. The trick is knowing the right filler words to use while you put your thoughts together. Every language has its own set of filler words. Learning English filler words will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Use Filler Words in Moderation. Like with anything else, you could use filler words too much. Overusing filler words (using too many, too often) can make you sound unprofessional. Even worse, it can make it difficult to follow your sentences. So do use filler words when you speak, but don’t use them too much.

Here is a list of some ‘fillers’ we use frequently in English:

• well 
• you see
• you know
• after all 
• I mean 
• you know what I mean
• at the end of the day
• Believe me
• I guess/ I suppose
• or something
• right?!
• like
• sort of 
• kind of 
• say 
• the thing is 
• in other words 
• by the way 
• ok here 
• first of all 
• above all 
• maybe 
• as far, as to 
• anyway 
• in short 
• so 
• in a word 
• in brief
• actually/ basically/ seriously
• totally/ literally/ clearly
  
  

  

  You only need to use filler words when you’re speaking with someone. Generally you won’t use fillers when you’re writing.

  
  

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