How to Use Fillers Naturally: Online English Guide

When you listen to native English speakers, you might notice that their speech isn’t perfectly smooth or rehearsed. They pause, repeat, or use small sounds and words like “uh,” “you know,” or “like.” These are called fillers. While they might seem meaningless, fillers play an important role in making speech sound natural and spontaneous. This guide will teach you how to use fillers naturally in English—so you can sound more fluent and confident in online conversations.

What Are Fillers?

Fillers are small words or sounds that speakers use to fill pauses or gaps in conversation. They give the speaker time to think without making the silence feel awkward. Common English fillers include:

• “Uh” / “Um” – short hesitation sounds

• “Like” – often used to introduce examples or soften ideas

• “You know” – used to check if the listener understands

• “I mean” – used to clarify or restate something

• “Well” – a gentle way to start or transition to an answer

• “Actually” – adds emphasis or correction

• “So” – helps connect ideas smoothly

Fillers are not necessary for meaning, but they help make speech sound more human, spontaneous, and natural.

Why Do People Use Fillers?

There are several reasons why both native and non-native speakers use fillers in speech:

1. To Think and Plan

When speaking spontaneously, you often need a second to organize your thoughts. Fillers allow you to pause without completely stopping the conversation.

Example:

“I, um, think we should start with the easy part first.”

2. To Sound More Polite or Indirect

Fillers can make your tone softer and less direct. This helps avoid sounding too blunt or aggressive.

Example:

“Well, I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”
Here, “well” softens the disagreement.

3. To Show Connection and Empathy

Using fillers like “you know” or “I mean” can make your listener feel included or understood.

Example:

“It was, you know, really difficult at first.”

4. To Make Speech Flow Naturally

Even fluent speakers use fillers to sound relaxed and conversational. Without them, speech can sound robotic or too formal.

Common English Fillers and Their Meanings

Here’s a list of common fillers you can use in different contexts:

When (and When Not) to Use Fillers

Using fillers correctly is about balance. Too many fillers make speech confusing, but too few can make it sound stiff.

✅ When to Use

• During casual conversations or online classes

• When you need time to think before answering

• When you want to sound friendly, relaxed, or natural

❌ When Not to Use

• In formal presentations, interviews, or recorded exams (like IELTS Speaking Part 2, where clarity is key)

• When you use them too often in one sentence

• When they replace real words or ideas

Example of overuse:

“Um, I mean, like, it was, uh, really, you know, good.”

This sentence sounds unclear and distracted.

Better version:

“It was really good. I mean, I didn’t expect it to be that fun.”

How to Practice Fillers Naturally

1. Listen to Native Speakers

Watch English YouTube videos, interviews, or podcasts. Notice how speakers use fillers—not too much, but enough to sound relaxed.

Tip: Pay attention to intonation and rhythm. Fillers usually sound softer and quicker than main words.

2. Record Yourself

Try recording your speaking practice. Then listen back and count how often you use fillers. Do you use them too little or too much? Adjust gradually.

3. Practice with Short Pauses

Instead of filling every silence, practice short pauses. Silence can be powerful. Combine it with fillers naturally.

Example:

“That’s a good question… um, let me think.”

4. Use Fillers to Connect Ideas

During conversation, fillers can bridge topics smoothly.

Example:

“So, yeah, I think that’s true. Well, maybe not always, but often.”

5. Roleplay Conversations

During your online English lessons, ask your tutor to roleplay casual conversations. Focus on sounding natural, not perfect.

You can even say:

“Can you tell me if I use too many fillers?”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Same Filler Too Often

Repeating “like” or “you know” in every sentence can be distracting. Try mixing them or reducing frequency.

2. Inserting Fillers Mid-Word

Avoid breaking a word with a filler—this interrupts the flow and makes comprehension difficult.

Incorrect: “I, um, th-think it’s fine.”
Better: “Um, I think it’s fine.”

3. Confusing Fillers with Meaningful Words

Some learners use “like” even when it’s unnecessary. Remember: fillers don’t carry real meaning; they’re only for rhythm and tone.

4. Forgetting Context

A casual conversation with a tutor allows fillers, but a job interview or business meeting does not. Adjust depending on the setting.

Exercises to Master Natural Use of Fillers

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-Blank

Read sentences and decide where a filler fits naturally.

Example:

“_____ I’m not sure if that’s correct.”
(Possible answers: Well, Um, Actually)

Exercise 2: Rephrase Practice

Take formal sentences and make them sound conversational.

Formal: “I do not agree with your opinion.”
Casual with fillers: “Well, I mean, I don’t really agree with that.”

Exercise 3: Controlled Speaking Practice

Pick a random topic (like “My weekend”) and speak for one minute. Use fillers only when needed, not automatically.

Then repeat the same topic with fewer fillers. Compare the two versions.

The Balance Between Fluency and Naturalness

In online English learning, fluency is often seen as “speaking without pauses.” But naturalness is more than speed—it’s about rhythm, tone, and real-life flow. Fillers help you sound confidently natural, not robotic.

A truly fluent speaker doesn’t avoid fillers completely. Instead, they control them. They know when to pause, when to use “um,” and when to continue smoothly.

Fillers Across Cultures and Accents

Different cultures have different fillers. For example:

• Filipino speakers might use “ano” or “diba.”

• Japanese speakers use “eto” or “ano.”

• Spanish speakers use “pues” or “este.”

English fillers don’t translate exactly, but the function is the same—to give you time to think and sound natural.

When you’re switching from your native language to English, try replacing your usual filler with an English one. This helps your speaking sound more fluent in English context.

How Tutors Can Help You Improve

If you’re learning through online classes, your tutor can be your best coach for speaking naturally.

Here’s how you can ask for support:

• “Please tell me if I use too many fillers.”

• “Can we practice natural conversation using fillers?”

• “How do you use ‘like’ or ‘you know’ in daily speech?”

Practicing with real feedback will help you develop a natural speaking rhythm much faster.

Summary: Speak Naturally, Not Perfectly

To summarize:

• Fillers are normal and useful in conversation.

• They help you sound natural, polite, and confident.

• The key is to use them intentionally, not automatically.

• Practice listening, recording, and adjusting your speech.

Being fluent doesn’t mean speaking without pauses—it means speaking with natural flow and confidence. So next time you’re in your online English class, don’t be afraid to say, “Well… um… let’s see.” You might sound more like a native speaker than you think!

FAQs

What are fillers, and why do speakers use them?

Fillers are short sounds or words—such as “um,” “uh,” “well,” “you know,” and “like”—that help speakers manage thinking time, signal hesitation, soften tone, and connect ideas. They keep conversation flowing while you plan your next phrase. In natural speech, small pauses and fillers prevent abrupt silence and make you sound more approachable and human.

Are fillers “bad English,” or can they be used effectively?

Fillers are not “bad” by default. Overuse is distracting, but strategic use can make your tone warmer and more conversational. Native speakers use fillers all the time, especially in spontaneous discussion. The key is intentionality: choose a filler that matches your purpose (e.g., “well” to soften disagreement, “I mean” to clarify), and keep frequency moderate.

Which fillers are most common in everyday English?

Frequent options include: “um/uh” (thinking time), “well” (gentle opener), “like” (example/approximation), “you know” (listener check), “I mean” (clarification), “actually” (correction/emphasis), “basically” (summary), “sort of/kind of” (hedging), and “so” (transition). Choose two or three that feel natural to you and master them first.

When should I avoid fillers completely?

Minimize fillers in high-stakes or formal contexts: job interviews, recorded presentations, sales pitches, standardized speaking tests, and important meetings. In these settings, concise pauses and clear transitions (“first,” “however,” “in summary”) are preferable. If you do use a filler, make it purposeful and brief.

How can I reduce overusing “like,” “you know,” and similar tics?

Try a three-step loop: notice (record yourself and count instances), replace (swap with a short silent pause or a precise transition like “for example” or “specifically”), and rehearse (deliver the same idea with 50% fewer fillers). Over time, you will retrain your rhythm without sounding robotic.

What’s a healthy frequency of fillers in natural speech?

There’s no fixed number, but a practical guideline is: one short filler every few sentences in casual talk, and near-zero in formal talk. If a single sentence contains multiple fillers, edit yourself: finish the sentence, pause, then continue. Aim for clarity first, naturalness second.

Which fillers safely soften disagreement or bad news?

Use “well,” “to be honest,” “I’m not sure,” or “I see your point, but…” These soften the edge without sounding unsure of your facts. For example: “Well, I see what you mean. I’m not sure that approach scales, though.” Avoid stacking hedges (“well, um, I mean, like”)—one polite softener is enough.

How do fillers differ from real transition words?

Fillers manage hesitation; transitions manage logic. “Um” buys time; “however” signals contrast. In formal speech, prioritize transitions (“therefore,” “meanwhile,” “on the other hand”). In casual speech, blend both: a quick “well” plus a clear transition keeps tone friendly and structure clear.

Can fillers improve listener engagement in online classes?

Yes—sparingly. A brief “you know” or “I mean” can create rapport and confirm shared understanding. Pair them with micro-checks: “You know, this part is tricky—does that make sense?” Keep your camera on, maintain eye contact with the lens, and combine fillers with visual signposting on slides to prevent confusion.

What exercises help me control fillers without sounding stiff?

Timed silence drills: Answer a question, forcing a 0.5–1 second silent pause before speaking—no filler allowed. Rephrase runs: State an idea once naturally, then repeat with half the fillers, then once more with transitions only. Shadowing: Mimic a short native clip, matching rhythm and strategic fillers. Rotate these exercises three to five minutes each day.

How do I use “like” correctly without overdoing it?

Use “like” for approximations (“about,” “around”), examples, or quoted speech. For instance: “There were like 20 people,” or “It was like, ‘Wow!’” If you catch yourself adding “like” mid-sentence repeatedly, pause and replace with a precise word: “approximately,” “for example,” or simply a brief silence.

What should I ask my tutor to get targeted feedback on fillers?

Try prompts such as: “Please flag when I overuse ‘like’,” “Could we practice concise answers with limited fillers?” and “Would you time my pauses and suggest better transitions?” Ask for a quick tally at the end of each answer, plus one suggested alternative (pause or transition) you can swap in next time.

Do fillers vary by culture and accent?

Yes. Most languages have equivalents—Japanese (“eto/ano”), Spanish (“pues/este”), Filipino (“ano/diba”). The function is universal: manage hesitation and maintain flow. When speaking English, adopt English fillers to match listener expectations and maintain clarity, especially in international settings.

How can I sound natural and confident in Q&A?

Use a micro-structure: brief pause, one optional softener (“well”), direct answer, and a signpost. Example: “(pause) Well, the main issue is cost. First, licenses increased; second, support hours doubled.” This preserves warmth while keeping authority and pace.

What are quick alternatives to fillers I can use today?

Replace “um/uh” with a silent breath; swap “you know” with a quick confirm (“right?” used sparingly); exchange “I mean” for “to clarify”; turn “like” into “for example” when introducing evidence. If you forget, stop—finish your sentence cleanly, then continue. Silence used well is a professional superpower.

Online English Learning Guide: Master English Anytime, Anywhere