Common Everyday English Filler Words & Phrases Native Speakers Use (With Examples)
Updated: Aug 6
What Are English Filler Words?
English fillers are small words or phrases used in conversation while a speaker is thinking or connecting ideas.
Common fillers include “um,” “well,” “like,” “you know,” “actually,” and “basically.”
These expressions help speakers:
pause while thinking
sound more natural in conversation
soften opinions
keep conversations flowing smoothly
Filler words are very common in casual spoken English, but they are usually avoided in formal writing such as essays or reports.
Learning how to use fillers naturally can help English learners sound more confident and fluent in everyday conversations.
Related post
👉 Interjections in English - Examples & Easy Practice (ESL Guide)
👀 Watch and Learn! For English grammar story video lessons that bring this content to life, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ What English fillers are
✔ Why native speakers use them
✔ 12 common fillers used in everyday conversations
✔ When to use them (and when to avoid them)
✔ Practice exercises for ESL learners
When do we use Fillers in English?
Native speakers use fillers all the time in everyday life especially in:
☕ cafés
💬 friendly conversations
🏢 meetings
📱phone calls
🎙casual presentations
Example conversation:
Without filler words
“I disagree. The restaurant is expensive.”
With filler words
“Well… I kind of disagree. It’s actually a bit expensive.”
👉 The second version sounds much more natural and conversational.
Why Native Speakers Use Filler Words
Many English learners think filler words are mistakes. But they actually serve important communication purposes.
1. To Gain Thinking Time
Filler words give speakers a moment to organise their thoughts.
Example:
“Um… I’m not sure.”
“Well… let me think.”
2. To Sound Less Direct
English conversations often sound more polite when softened.
Example:
“I disagree.”
becomes
“Well… I’m not sure I agree.”
3. To Connect With the Listener
Filler words help make conversations feel interactive.
Example:
“It was a long meeting, you know?”
4. To Show Emotion or Opinion
Some filler words add personality and feeling.
Example:
“Honestly, that movie was amazing.”
12 Common Everyday English Filler Words (With Examples)
1. Um / Uh
These are the most common filler words when someone is thinking.
Example:
“Um… I forgot my keys.”
“Uh… maybe we should try another restaurant.”
These filler words are very natural in casual speech.
2. Well
“Well” is often used to start an answer or soften disagreement.
Example:
“Well, I’m not sure that’s correct.”
“Well, it depends.”
3. Like
One of the most common filler words in modern English.
It can show approximation or introduce a reaction.
Example:
“It was like 20 minutes late.”
“I was like, really surprised.”
❗️Tip for learners:
Use “like” naturally but don’t overuse it.
4. You Know
Used to build connection with the listener.
Example:
“It’s hard to explain, you know?”
“It’s just one of those days, you know.”
5. I Mean
Used to clarify or explain something better.
Example:
“It’s good — I mean, it’s really delicious.”
6. Actually
Used when correcting information or adding something surprising.
Example:
“Actually, I prefer tea.”
“Actually, that’s not what I meant.”
7. Basically
Used to simplify or summarise an idea.
Example:
“Basically, we just need more time.”
8. Honestly
Shows sincerity or strong emotion.
Example:
“Honestly, I was really tired.”
“Honestly, the food was incredible.”
9. Kind Of / Sort Of
These filler words soften opinions.
Example:
“I’m kind of busy.”
“It’s sort of expensive.”
10. Right?
Used to check agreement.
Example:
“It’s really hot today, right?”
“That restaurant was amazing, right?”
11. So…
Often used to start stories or introduce ideas.
Example:
“So, guess what happened today.”
“So… what do you think?”
12. Anyway
Used to return to the main topic or change subjects.
Example:
“Anyway, let’s continue.”
“Anyway, what were we talking about?”
💬 Example Conversation Using Filler Words
Listen to how natural this conversation sounds.
Emma: “So… did you like the movie?”
Lina: “Well, honestly, it was kind of long.”
Emma: “Yeah, it was like two and a half hours, right?”
Lina: “Exactly! But the ending was amazing.”
This conversation sounds natural and relaxed because of the fillers.
Common Mistakes ESL Learners Make
Using Too Many Filler Words
Too many filler words can make speech confusing.
Example:
“Like… um… well… I like… um…”
Try to use fillers occasionally, not constantly.
Using Filler Words in Formal Writing
Filler words should not appear in essays or formal writing.
Avoid fillers in:
❌ academic essays
❌ formal emails
❌ exams
❌ business reports
Filler words are for spoken English only.
Copying Filler Words Without Understanding Them
Different filler words have different functions.
Example:
“Actually” is often used to correct information, not just as a pause word.
🗣️Speaking Practice for ESL Learners
Try this short speaking challenge.
Describe your weekend using three filler words.
Example:
“So… I went to this new café and it was honestly amazing. The cake was like really soft and delicious.”
Record yourself speaking and listen again.
Ask yourself:
Did I sound natural?
Did I use too many fillers?
Did my speech flow smoothly?
Quick Filler Words Practice
Choose the correct filler.
“_____… I forgot what I wanted to say.”
“It was _____ the best pizza I’ve ever eaten.”
“It’s really hot today, _____?”
“_____ , I think we should leave now.”
Answers:
Um
honestly
right
Well
Why Filler Words Improve Your English Fluency
Using filler words correctly can help you:
✔ sound more natural
✔ reduce speaking anxiety
✔ think while speaking
✔ connect better with listeners
🧠 Remember:
Fluency is not about speaking fast. Fluency is about speaking comfortably and naturally.
📩 Free Worksheet Download
📚 A Short Story Using Everyday English Filler Words
Reading stories helps learners understand how English is really spoken.
🗣️ The Café Conversation
Emma and Maya were sitting in a cosy café on a rainy afternoon.
“So… did you try the chocolate cake?” Emma asked.
Maya laughed. “Well, I wanted to… but the line was like really long.”
Emma nodded. “Yeah, that place is always busy.”
“Honestly, though,” Maya said, “the coffee was amazing.”
Emma smiled. “Right? It’s kind of my favourite café now.”
Maya took another sip of her latte.
“Anyway, what are you doing this weekend?”
Emma thought for a moment.
“Um… I’m not sure yet. Maybe I’ll try that new art market downtown.”
“Oh, actually, I heard about that!” Maya said. “It’s supposed to be really fun.”
“Yeah, basically, it’s food stalls, art, and live music.”
“Okay,” Maya said, smiling. “That sounds perfect.”
What Filler Words Did You Notice?
Can you find these filler words in the story?
so
well
like
honestly
kind of
anyway
um
actually
basically
Stories like this help learners hear the rhythm of real English conversations.
🎧 Listen and Repeat Practice
Read the sentences aloud and try to sound natural.
Sentence 1: “Well… I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
Sentence 2: “It was like 20 minutes late.”
Sentence 3: “Honestly, that restaurant was amazing.”
Sentence 4: “So… what do you think?”
Sentence 5: “I’m kind of tired today.”
🎯 Tip for learners:
Pause slightly after the filler word. This helps your speech sound more relaxed and natural.
🗣️Quick Conversation Practice
Practise with a friend or speaking partner.
Situation: Talking About a Movie
Student A: “So… did you like the movie?”
Student B: “Well, honestly, it was kind of long.”
Student A: “Yeah, it was like two and a half hours, right?”
Student B: “Exactly! But the ending was amazing.”
How to Practise Filler Words in Real Life
Here are simple ways to improve your conversational English.
1. Record Yourself Speaking
Talk about your day for one minute.
Try to include filler words such as:
well
actually
honestly
kind of
2. Watch Interviews or Podcasts
Notice how native speakers use filler words naturally.
You will hear them all the time.
3. Practise Small Talk
Filler words appear most often in casual conversations, such as:
meeting friends
chatting at a café
discussing movies
talking about weekend plans
This section contains affiliate links that may earn a small commission.
🚀 Improve Your English Speaking Faster
Learning fillers is helpful, but real conversation practice is even better.
If you want structured speaking practice, you may enjoy these online learning platforms.
✔️Interactive English Learning Videos
FluentU uses real-world videos like interviews, movie clips, and everyday conversations to teach natural English.
It helps learners:
✔ understand natural speech
✔ learn vocabulary in context
✔ see how native speakers actually talk
Many learners like it because it combines video learning with interactive practice.
🎉 Want to see what FluentU is like?
Try it for 7–14 days (depending on promo) and explore the huge video library. You can cancel anytime.
✔️Live Online English Classes
You can also practise with teachers through British Council.
Online lessons include:
✔ Live private 1-to-1 classes
✔ Small group classes with other learners
✔ Classes available 24 hours a day
✔ Professional English teachers
✔ AI-powered speaking practice to improve confidence
These lessons are great if you want to:
practice conversation regularly
improve fluency faster
receive feedback from teachers
👉 Check lesson availability and class schedules through their online English learning programs.
Start Speaking English More Confidently → Start your free trial today
💬 Final Speaking Challenge
Try this short challenge today.
Talk about your favourite café or restaurant.
Use at least three filler words:
well
honestly
like
kind of
actually
Example:
“Well… I found this new café and it’s honestly really good. The desserts are like amazing.”
The more you practise, the more natural your English will sound.
✏️ Tell us your answers in the comments below ⬇️ !
Frequently Asked Questions - English Filler Words
Are filler words bad English?
No. Fillers are a natural part of spoken English.
Even fluent native speakers use them daily.
Should English learners use filler words?
Yes — but in moderation.
Using a few fillers can make your speech sound more natural.
What is the most common English filler word?
Some of the most common fillers include:
um
well
like
you know
actually
How can I practise using filler words?
Try these methods:
record yourself speaking
practice conversations
watch interviews or podcasts
imitate natural speech patterns
📩 Free Worksheet Download
Related ESL Resources
You might also like:
🗣️More ESL Conversation Practice
You may also enjoy:
📌 Checkout Vocabulary and Quiz videos:
🎥 YouTube Channel Playlist
📖✨ Love This Content?
Get more delivered to you! Sign up for our weekly email with fresh ideas for learning English.
🔗 For more related posts check out the links below ⬇️
Don't Just Read, Watch! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to complement this blog post with video tutorials and explanations.
Comments