Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and found yourself thinking, “What should I say next?”
You’re not alone!
We all need a moment to think, whether you're chatting with friends or participating in a business meeting. This is where fillers come in.
What Are Fillers?
Fillers are words or sounds that we use to fill pauses in conversation. They don’t add meaning, but they help make us sound more natural, fluent, and comfortable. Think of words like “um,” “you know,” and “like.” Native speakers use these all the time without even thinking about it—often without realising it!
Take a look at this sentence:
"I was, like, really tired after the meeting, and, um, I didn’t feel like doing anything."
The words "like" and "um" don't change the meaning of the sentence, but they help the speaker pause or think as they continue speaking.
Common Fillers in English
Here are some of the most common filler words you’ll hear in casual English conversations:
Um / Er
These are the classic “thinking” sounds. They're great when you're unsure, or you need a moment to organise your thoughts.
"I’m not sure, um, I’ll check and let you know."
You know
This filler signals you're explaining something and inviting the listener to engage. It's often used to seek agreement or understanding.
"I was at the store, and, you know, they didn’t have what I needed."
Like
Often used to introduce examples or just to keep the conversation flowing. It’s especially popular in casual speech.
"It was, like, the best concert ever!"
Actually – Used for emphasis or to correct something.
"Actually, I think we should leave now."
Well
A great way to start an answer or soften a statement, especially if you're transitioning from one idea to another.
"Well, I guess we could try a different approach."
Why Do Native Speakers Use Fillers?
Filler words are incredibly common in natural speech, even among native speakers. They help to:
Give you time to think – Instead of leaving a pause that feels awkward, you can use a filler word while gathering your next thoughts.
Sound less certain – In some cases, fillers can help soften statements, making them sound more polite or less direct.
Hold the floor in a conversation – Fillers can prevent interruptions when you're speaking, letting you keep control of the conversation.
Are Fillers Bad?
Not at all! In spoken English, we don’t always speak in perfectly structured sentences.
Fillers allow you to take your time, sound more relaxed, and keep the conversation flowing. In fact, using fillers correctly can help you sound more like a native speaker, even if you don’t realise you’re doing it!
But be careful! Too many fillers can make you sound uncertain or unprepared. It’s all about balance—using them sparingly and naturally.
Tips to Improve Your Use of Fillers
Listen to Native Speakers: Next time you’re watching a movie or listening to a podcast, pay attention to how the speakers use fillers. Notice when they use fillers and which ones they prefer.
Practise: A fun way to practise fillers is by doing some imitations. Pick a short clip from a movie or show with native speakers and try to mimic their use of fillers. It’ll feel a little odd at first, but it’s a great way to get more comfortable!
Slow Down: If you’re unsure of what to say, it’s okay to pause. You don’t always need a filler word. A moment of silence is completely normal in conversation too.
Ready to Practise?
Fillers are a small but powerful tool in sounding more fluent and natural. If you’re ready to try using fillers and other natural expressions in real-life conversations, why not join our Conversation Club?
It’s a brilliant way to build your fluency, practise with other English learners, and get personalised feedback in a relaxed, supportive environment. Click here to learn more or book a trial lesson below!
Remember, filler words are more than just "speech noise" – they’re a natural and useful part of everyday language.
So, don't be afraid to use them!
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