Ever find yourself starting a sentence with “Well…” or saying “Like…” a lot when you talk?

Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Those little words that sneak into conversations when we pause, think, or search for the right phrase are called filler words. And believe it or not, they play a much bigger role in English than you might think.


What Are Filler Words Anyway?

Filler words (also called discourse markers) are the words and phrases that don’t carry meaning on their own but help keep conversations flowing.

Here are a few you’ve probably heard—or used—before, along with what they actually do in conversation:

🗣️ “Umm…” / “Uh…” – Used when you’re thinking or unsure what to say next.
🗣️ “Like…” – Can introduce an example, soften a statement, or show approximation.
🗣️ “You know?” – Checks if the listener understands or agrees.
🗣️ “Well…” – A soft way to start or shift into a response.
🗣️ “I mean…” – Used to clarify or rephrase what you just said.
🗣️ “So…” – Connects ideas or signals a conclusion.
🗣️ “Actually…” – Gently corrects or adds surprising info.
🗣️ “Right?” – Seeks confirmation or agreement.
🗣️ “Basically…” – Summarizes or simplifies something.
🗣️ “At the end of the day…” – Wraps things up or introduces a final point.


Why Do We Use Them?

Filler words exist in almost every language. In English, they help us:

  • Buys time when we’re thinking
  • Softens our tone so we don’t sound too direct or aggressive
  • Keeps conversations flowing naturally
  • Sounds more human and relatable

Native speakers use them all the time — in casual conversations, in storytelling, and even in media like podcasts and reality shows. That means if your goal is to sound natural, learning how to use filler words (and when not to!) is actually a smart move. Now, of course, I can’t give you guys all the tea without also reminding you to catch our podcast, Lending Language Podcast, where we use filler words all the time. Anyways, that’s enough self-promo for now. Moving on…


Should You Be Using Filler Words?

Yes — but with care.

Using filler words can help you sound more fluent, but overusing them might make your speech unclear or hesitant. It’s all about balance.

If you’re learning English for natural conversation (chatting with friends, travelling, watching movies), practicing with filler words will definitely help. But if you’re preparing for formal interviews, speeches, or academic settings, you might want to reduce your use and replace them with more precise phrases.


💬 Thinking about job interviews or more formal English? Let us know in the comments if you’d like a blog post focused on that kind of language!

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