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What Are "Filler Words", And Should I Use Them?
Urm, like... let's, uh, discuss this.
Today’s topic is all about filler words. These sneaky little words creep into our conversations all the time—you know, like, um… yeah? But are they helpful, or should we cut them out altogether? Let’s break it down!
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What Are “Filler Words”?
Filler words are those small, seemingly meaningless words or sounds we use to fill pauses in speech. Some common examples include:
um, uh, er
like, you know, kind of, sort of
I mean, well, actually
so, yeah, right
They don’t carry much meaning but help us keep talking while we think of what to say next.
Filler words are the meaningless words we use in conversation to fill pauses.
Examples: urm, like, you know, well, etc.
Do you already know this? |
Why Do We Use Them?
Filler words serve a few purposes:
Gives you time to think: They give your brain a moment to process what’s coming next.
“I think it’s, um, over there.”
Makes sentences sound kinder: They can make opinions sound less direct.
“I kind of think this might work better.”
Shows uncertainty: They let people know you’re not 100% sure.
“It’s, like, five miles away, I think.”
Helps you be more relatable: In casual speech, filler words can make you sound more relaxed and approachable.
Should I Use Filler Words?
It depends!
✅ In Casual Conversations
Using filler words here and there is totally normal. They make your speech sound natural and less robotic.
❌ In Formal Situations
During presentations, interviews, or professional settings, excessive filler words can make you sound unprepared or unsure.
Try to limit them to keep your speech clear and confident.
How to Use Them Sparingly (=not too often)
Pause instead: Silent pauses feel awkward, but they make you sound thoughtful and confident.
“The meeting starts at… [pause] 10 a.m.”
Practise speaking: Record yourself talking and listen back. You might not even realise how often you say “like” or “um”!
Replace with other phrases: Use phrases like “let me think” or “that’s a great question” instead of “uhhhh.”
💡 Quick Quiz!
Which sentence uses filler words effectively?
1. “So, um, I kind of think we should, you know, start earlier.”
2. “I believe we should start earlier.”
3. “We should, uh, start earlier, I guess.”
💡 QUICK QUIZ answers:
☑️ B is the clearest and most professional sentence, perfect for formal settings.
☑️ But in casual conversation, A could work because it sounds natural and relatable—just don’t overdo it!
❌ C uses too many filler words, which makes the speaker sound hesitant.
Over To You!
Do you use filler words often? How do they make you feel when you hear them?
Let us know your thoughts in a comment below!
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