Filler Words

About halfway through a presentation skills class, a student asked me, “Teacher, why do I use ‘um’ so much?” I played back a 30-second clip of him speaking, and he counted seven “um”s in less than half a minute. The thing is, he wasn’t nervous — he just wasn’t pausing for breath. Filler words are those unconscious fillers (um, like, you know, well, basically) that every speaker uses. Native speakers use them too, which surprises many learners. The question isn’t really “Should I use them?” but rather “How much is too much?” and “When do they help, and when do they hurt?”

I’ll help you understand what filler words are, why everyone uses them, and how to use them strategically instead of accidentally. You might be surprised — a filler word in the right place actually helps you communicate better.

What Are Filler Words?

Filler words are sounds or words that speakers use to fill gaps or pauses while they’re thinking. They serve a function in speech: they signal to the listener, “I’m still here, still thinking, please wait.” When you remove them entirely, you create silence, which feels uncomfortable to many speakers and can sound robotic or rehearsed.

Filler Sounds vs. Filler Words

There’s an important distinction in English:

Filler sounds 🔊 🎤 are purely phonetic — they’re not words:

• Um / Umm — most common filler sound in English
• Uh 🔊 🎤 — shorter version of “um”
• Ah / Er / Erm — British English variants, especially “erm”

Filler words 🔊 🎤 are actual words used as fillers:

• Like 🔊 🎤 — approximation or thinking delay
• You know 🔊 🎤 — seeking agreement or understanding
• Well 🔊 🎤 — transition or softening
• So 🔊 🎤 — transition or starting point
• Actually / Basically — clarification or emphasis
• Just / Really — emphasis or minimization

Example with both types: “Um, like, I was thinking, you know, we could maybe go to the beach, um, sometime soon?”

Common Filler Words and Their Functions

Filler	Type	Function	Example
Um / Uh	Sound	Signal thinking, gather thoughts	“Um, I think we should wait until next week.”
Like	Word	Approximation, emphasis, or thinking delay	“It was like, really good, you know?”
You know	Phrase	Check if listener understands; seek agreement	“I was thinking, you know, about what happened yesterday.”
Well	Word	Softening a disagreement; transition	“Well, I see your point, but I disagree.”
So	Word	Transition; starting a thought	“So, the main issue is this: we need more time.”
Actually	Word	Correction or emphasis	“Actually, I think you’re right about that.”
Basically	Word	Simplification or summary	“Basically, we need to cut costs.”
Just	Word	Emphasis or minimization	“I just want to say thank you.”
Really	Word	Emphasis or intensity	“It was really, really good.”

Why Do People Use Filler Words?

In Conversation (Speaking)

Fillers serve real functions when speaking:

• Buying time to think: “Um, give me a second” — literally signals you need processing time.
• Preventing interruption: Continuous speech (even with fillers) keeps the floor open. Silence invites interruption.
• Showing engagement: “You know?” and “like” check if your listener is following you.
• Softening strong statements: “Well, actually, I think you’re wrong” sounds less blunt than “You’re wrong.”
• Signalling uncertainty: “Um, maybe?” communicates hesitation appropriately.

Native speaker example: “Well, I think, um, we could try a different approach, you know, something that focuses more on the customer experience?”

In Formal Settings (Presentations, Interviews, Tests)

In these contexts, fillers are usually a sign of:

• Nervousness or lack of confidence
• Insufficient preparation
• Lack of natural pausing (not leaving silence)

This is why people give you the advice “Avoid filler words” — in high-stakes situations, fillers can undermine your credibility.

The Impact of Filler Words on Communication

When Fillers Help

In casual conversation: “So I was thinking, um, maybe we could grab dinner this weekend?” — Natural, shows you’re thinking in real time, friendly.

To soften disagreement: “Well, I see your point, but actually, I think the deadline is tighter.” — “Well” and “actually” make the disagreement less harsh.

To signal thinking: “Um, that’s a good question. Let me think about that.” — Respectful pause, not evasive.

When Fillers Hurt

In presentations: “Um, like, today we’re gonna talk about, um, quarterly results, um, which are, like, really important.” — Four fillers in one sentence. Sounds unprepared and loses credibility.

In job interviews: “Um, well, I think I’m qualified because, like, I have experience in, um, marketing.” — Multiple fillers suggest nervousness, even if you’re confident.

In formal writing: Filler words don’t belong in writing at all (except dialogue). “Basically, like, the report shows that um…” — This would never appear in professional writing.

How Many Fillers Is “Too Many”?

Research suggests:

• 0–2 per minute: Natural, unnoticeable, professional
• 3–5 per minute: Noticeable but acceptable in casual speech
• 6–10 per minute: Distracting; sounds unprepared or nervous
• 10+: Significantly undermines credibility

Remember: In a 1-minute speech, 5 fillers is a lot. In a relaxed 10-minute conversation, 20–30 fillers is normal.

Sample Dialogues

How to Reduce Fillers When You Need To

For Presentations and Formal Speaking

1. Use strategic pauses instead. Silence feels scary, but it’s powerful. A 2-second pause beats 10 “um”s.

“Today’s topic is climate change.” [PAUSE 2 seconds] “The science shows three critical trends.”

2. Take a breath before sentences. If you’re running out of breath, you’ll fill it with a filler. Full lungs = silence between thoughts.

3. Script key points, not everything. Memorise opening, transitions, and conclusions. This removes thinking pauses.

4. Practise out loud. Recording yourself reveals your filler patterns. Count them. Then record again without them.

For Everyday Conversation

Don’t try to eliminate fillers — just be aware. If you catch yourself using “like” 10 times per minute, that’s worth noticing. But 2–3 per minute? That’s just speaking.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

✗ Mistake: Trying to eliminate all fillers
Reality: Native speakers use them. Aim for awareness, not perfection.
✓ Fix: Notice when you use them, especially in formal settings.

✗ Mistake: Using fillers unconsciously in tests or interviews
Reality: Under pressure, fillers increase. You need practice.
✓ Fix: Practise high-stakes speaking (interviews, presentations) out loud 3–5 times.

✗ Mistake: Mixing fillers unnecessarily
Incorrect: “Um, like, you know, basically, we need…”
Correct: “Basically, we need…”
Why: Piling fillers sounds like you’re very uncertain.

Quick Quiz

Filler Words Across English Varieties

Variety	Common Fillers	Typical example
American English	Um, like, you know, basically, I mean	“Like, I think we should, um, try a different approach.”
British English	Um, erm, well, actually, sort of	“Well, I think, um, we might actually try something different.”
Australian English	Like, you know, sort of, basically	“Like, I was thinking, you know, we could try something different.”

Related Articles

• ↑ Master Pillar: English Vocabulary
• English Expressions — comprehensive guide
• How to Express and Accept an Apology
• Asking for Permission in English
• ↑ Back to pillar: English Expressions (Pillar)

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