Filler expressions in English conversations

What are filler expressions?

Filler expressions are words or sounds that we use to pause and think when we are speaking. They do not add meaning to a sentence. Instead, they give us a little time to decide what to say next or how to finish our thought. Native English speakers use filler expressions often in daily talks.

For example, if you say, "I was, uh, thinking about going to New York," the word "uh" helps you pause. It does not change the meaning of the sentence. It just fills the silence while you think.

It is best to avoid filler expressions in formal or professional situations, like a presentation. In these cases, it can sound like you are unsure of what to say. However, in casual conversations, using them can make your English sound more natural.

Common filler expressions

Um and Uh

Um and uh are two common sounds used as fillers. They are very similar, but people often use them in different situations.

• Uh is more common in daily, casual conversations. It helps you pause for a moment.

• I was uh, thinking about going to New York.

• Um is sometimes used in more formal speaking, like a presentation, when someone is trying to find the right words. It is usually better to avoid um in these situations if possible.

• I was um, thinking about going to New York.

Like

Like is another very common filler word. It has no meaning when used as a filler. It simply gives you a moment to think.

• I was like, thinking about going to New York.
• I was thinking about going to like, New York.

Be careful not to use like too much. If you use it after every few words, it can sound unnatural or as if you are nervous. Using it a few times in a conversation is normal.

Ya know (you know)

Ya know is a shortened way to say "you know" as a filler. Like other fillers, it does not change the meaning of your sentence.

• I was ya know, thinking about going to New York.
• Ya know, I was thinking about going to New York.
• I was thinking about going, ya know, to New York.

You can put ya know in different places in a sentence. It can also be used to create a short pause for dramatic effect, even if you know what you want to say next.

Sort of and Kind of

Sort of and kind of are often used as fillers and are sometimes shortened to sorta and kinda. They can show a slight hesitation or uncertainty.

• I was sorta thinking about going to New York.
• I was kinda thinking about going to New York.

These fillers can be used together or with other fillers. For example, you might say: "I was, ya know, kinda sorta thinking about going to New York." This can make it sound like you are unsure or trying to share news gently, especially if you think the other person might not like what you say.

Well and So

Well and so are often used at the beginning of a sentence as fillers. They create a short pause before you start speaking, but they do not add to the meaning of your sentence.

• Well, I was thinking about going to New York next week.
• So, I was thinking about going to New York next week.

Or something

Or something is a filler phrase often used at the end of a sentence. It shows that you are not completely sure about what you just said, or that you do not want to be too firm in your statement.

• I was thinking about going to New York next week or something.

This phrase is also useful when you are giving advice but do not want to sound too pushy. It makes your advice softer.

• You should study English every day or something.