Filler Words & Discourse Markers
Definition
Filler words are sounds and words speakers use to fill pauses while thinking, to signal they are still speaking, or to give themselves time to find the right word. Discourse markers are words and phrases that organize speech, connect ideas, and guide the listener through a conversation. Both are essential to fluent, natural-sounding English — native speakers use them constantly without even realizing it.
Key Rules
Rule 1: Common filler words: um, uh, like, you know, I mean, basically, literally, right?, so… These signal hesitation or thinking time.
Rule 2: Common discourse markers: First of all…, Anyway…, So…, Actually…, I mean…, To be honest…, Well…, The thing is…, That said…
Rule 3: Using zero filler words can sound robotic or overly rehearsed. A few fillers make speech sound more authentic and natural.
Rule 4: ‘Like’ in American English can mean: similarity (‘it’s like a dog’), a quotative (to introduce speech: ‘She was like, no way!’), or a filler (‘I was, like, totally surprised’).
Rule 5: Use discourse markers to organize your speech: ‘First of all’ to begin, ‘Actually’ to correct or add, ‘Anyway’ to redirect, ‘I mean’ to clarify, and ‘To be honest’ to emphasize sincerity.
Examples
| Example 1: ‘So… I was thinking, um, maybe we could try that new restaurant?’ → ‘So’ opens the turn; ‘um’ signals thinking time. Natural and conversational. |
| Example 2: ‘She was like, ‘I don’t know,’ and I was like, ‘Are you serious?” → ‘Was like’ is a quotative — it introduces what someone said or how they reacted. |
| Example 3: ‘To be honest, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.’ → ‘To be honest’ is a discourse marker that signals the speaker is about to give a direct or candid opinion. |
| Example 4: ‘Anyway, moving on — what do you want for dinner?’ → ‘Anyway’ redirects the conversation to a new topic — very useful to move past a tangent. |
| Example 5: ‘I mean, it wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either.’ → ‘I mean’ clarifies or softens what was said before. Common before nuanced opinions. |
Extensive Dialogue
Setting: Leila (Iranian student) and her American roommate Chloe have a natural conversation about weekend plans, demonstrating many filler words and discourse markers.
| 📢 DIALOGUE Setting: Their shared apartment kitchen on a Friday afternoon. Chloe: So, any plans this weekend? Leila: Um… I was thinking maybe I’d go downtown? I don’t know. What about you? Chloe: Well, I was supposed to go to my cousin’s thing, but — I mean — it’s like three hours away and, honestly, I’m kind of tired. Leila: To be honest, I feel the same. Like, this week was a lot. Chloe: Right? Anyway, so my friend Jake is having people over Saturday night. Nothing huge, just like ten people or so. You should come. Leila: Oh! Um, yeah, that sounds fun. I mean, I don’t really know Jake that well, but… Chloe: No, he’s super chill. And he literally makes the best guacamole. Like, you will not believe it. Leila: Ha! Okay, basically, guacamole is a good enough reason. Chloe: Exactly. So, what were you thinking about downtown? Like, is there something specific you wanted to do? Leila: Um, I was like, maybe the farmers market? You know, just walk around, get some coffee… Chloe: Oh, that’s actually such a good idea. I haven’t been in forever. We could do that Saturday morning and then Jake’s thing at night. Leila: Wait, really? You’d come to the farmers market? Chloe: I mean, why not? It’s basically free to walk around, and I need to get out of this apartment. Leila: Okay, yes! That’s like the perfect Saturday. Chloe: Right? And, you know, we can grab breakfast there too. I think there’s this booth that does these, like, amazing crepes. Leila: You know what, I love that we can just… make a plan in two seconds. Chloe: Honestly, same. Anyway — what time do you want to leave? Leila: Um… nine? Is that too early? Chloe: Nine is perfect. To be honest, I’ve been waking up early lately anyway. Leila: Great. So — farmers market at nine, Jake’s at night. I feel like that’s a solid plan. Chloe: Totally. Also, side note — do you want to just make dinner here before we go? Like, keep it simple? Leila: Yes! I mean, that way we don’t have to worry about eating there. Chloe: Exactly. Okay, this weekend is actually going to be good. Leila: I know, right? I was kind of dreading it, but now I’m actually excited. Chloe: Same. So — nine o’clock. Don’t let me sleep in. Leila: I will knock on your door at nine, I promise. |
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