Um, well, hello, language learners! We’d like to share some filler words with you, you know? Basically, we want you to have the tools you need to speak English naturally—and to understand the English you'll be hearing from others!

What are filler words?

Filler words are words or phrases that we use to fill silence or gaps when we are speaking. Some folks think that filler words are just that: filler, fluff, extra. Fillers are sometimes referred to as crutches because we lean on them when we need extra support in our speech. While they may appear disruptive to the flow of conversation, they serve an important, practical purpose! 

Fillers have three main functions:

  • They hold the floor for the speaker while they think of their next words
  • They help reduce bluntness by prolonging a statement
  • They can serve as comprehension checks to see if the listener is following along

You might also hear them referred to as discourse markers, since they serve these different purposes within conversations (or discourses).

Examples of filler words

First we have the filler words used to help you hold the floor while you are thinking. You may notice them in the speech of others, too—in both formal and informal contexts. They include well, so, um, er, ah, and everyone’s favorite, like. 

Well and so are the most acceptable in more formal speech, like in  job interviews and class or work presentations, as in, Well, I don’t know and So, that’s the best answer. The fillers um, er, and ah are often the target of criticism in formal speech, but are common in casual speech: I, um, am always excited to learn, er, new languages.

The filler word like

Like is the most stigmatized of these short fillers. Its use as a filler is said to have come from the speech of materialistic young upper-class white women in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley during the 1970s—as if! Whatever its origins, it has now permeated many dialects of English in the U.S. and beyond. For example, Let’s, like, learn more about how to use fillers.

Like has another use, too: It can be a mitigating word, to show approximation or paraphrasing. For example, if you say Her dad is, like, seven feet tall! you mean the following information isn't necessarily precise—you didn't measure her dad's height. But like, we could go on for, like, hours about the uses of like.

How to use other fillers

Other fillers function to lessen the intensity of a statement. They express that what you are saying is your own opinion and should not be taken forcefully—for example, I mean, I love learning languages, but it is hard work sometimes. You can also use adverbs for the same purpose, including honestly, basically, personally, and actually, but they can convey a little more attitude and judgment, depending on how you say the sentence!

Although you may not be seeking a response or even a nod from your listener, you can use tag question fillers to check their comprehension of what you are saying. Some of the most frequently used ones include you know, you see, right, alright, and okay. For example, What a fun party, right? Is a gentle check of agreement, to see how your listener felt.

Anyway is a filler that works well at the beginning of a statement to let your listener know you want to conclude the topic or whole conversation! If you say Anyway, I have to head out, it shows that you have moved on from wanting to talk about the previous topic. After an awkward pause, anyway can function on its own to close a conversation or abandon the topic: ...Anyway! Be careful not to cut your conversation partner short by throwing this one in too soon! If you’re not sure that the conversation is over, it’s still best to wait in silence.

Well, um, that's all for fillers!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to include some fillers in your next conversation? Honestly, they are a fun—and natural—part of language play!