Filler Words List | Filler Words Definition Examples

In this lesson, we will learn what are filler words and filler words list. This topic helps the learners not only in writing English but also in verbal conversation. It helps in to make a pause in English speaking as well.

Definition of Filler Words

Fillers words such like ‘um’, hmm or ‘uh’ or are words, sounds, or phrases are used by the people to “fill in” empty spaces in communication or conversation. In speech, the people generally indicate the speaker is thinking about what to say next, while in writing they’re often padding. These words are also known as discourse markers which reflects negative effect in communication and conversation. It indicates influent communication or hesitancy.

What are filler words?

Filler words are mostly found ordinary in the speech. During communication, we have a pause communication thinking that what to say next or what words or phrases have to use next. The filler words may indicate a specific mood or passion like good-natured hesitation before giving bad news.

Examples of Filler Words

To help you to identify filler words in your own speech and writing, have a look at the the most common filler word list.

  • um
  • uh
  • oh
  • ah
  • er
  • very
  • really
  • highly
  • you know
  • you see
  • right, etc. Later in this lesson, we’ll discuss one by one.

When Are Filler Words Used in English?

The speakers should use filler words only when they are speaking loudly. Usually, they should not use filler words in written communication although people using them gives a negative effect. So, they use filler words because they need an extra moment to think about what word to speak next. It seems good only when they are speaking loudly.

Sometime, the people use filler words in website comment sections, forums, social media plate forums, or online blogs such as “like, as, well, believe me, etc. It is fine at this circumstances. Filler words can be used for following number of reasons.

Showing that you are thinking: When you need to think about your answer, statement, or feedback, you can use these words. For example: ““Smith and Maxwell both have basically… five more years of college.”

Using these words to make a statement less harsh: When your friend has something like a food particle stuck between his teeth. You can only say to him that there is something stuck in your teeth. But he can feel embarrassment. But you can use these words to communicate in nice words to make him less embarrassed. For example: “Well, James, you have, um, you have a little particle in your lower teeth.”

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