Have you ever been speaking English and suddenly needed a few seconds to think?
You know what you want to say, but the exact word does not come immediately. Maybe you are trying to remember a vocabulary word. Perhaps you need time to organize your thoughts. Or maybe someone has asked you an unexpected question and you are not ready with an answer.
Many English learners become uncomfortable during these moments.
They stop speaking completely.
They say nothing.
They look nervous.
Or they repeat:
“Umm... umm... umm...”
again and again.
But natural English conversation does not require you to answer instantly.
Native and fluent speakers also pause, hesitate, think, correct themselves, and use small expressions to keep the conversation moving.
These expressions are called conversation fillers, filler words, hesitation phrases, or thinking phrases.
Used correctly, English conversation fillers can make your speech sound more natural and give you valuable time to think.
Instead of freezing, you can say:
“Well...”
“Let me think.”
“You know...”
“Actually...”
“I mean...”
“That’s a good question.”
“How can I put this?”
These phrases help you remain part of the conversation while your brain prepares the next sentence.
In this guide, you will learn the most useful English conversation fillers, what they mean, when to use them, which ones sound natural, which ones should be avoided in formal situations, and how to use them without sounding repetitive or unsure.
The goal is not to fill every silence.
The goal is to learn how fluent speakers manage thinking time naturally.
What Are English Conversation Fillers?
English conversation fillers are words or short phrases people use while speaking when they need time to think, organize an idea, soften a statement, change direction, or keep the conversation flowing.
Common examples include:
“Well...”
“So...”
“Actually...”
“Basically...”
“You know...”
“I mean...”
“Let me think.”
“Let’s see.”
These expressions do not always add important factual information to a sentence.
Instead, they help manage the conversation.
For example:
Question:
“What did you think of the movie?”
Immediate answer:
“It was good.”
Natural answer with thinking time:
“Well, I thought the story was really interesting, but the ending was a little disappointing.”
The word “well” gives the speaker a moment to think and also makes the answer sound more conversational.
Why English Learners Need Conversation Fillers
When learners speak English, they often believe that every sentence must come out perfectly and immediately.
This creates unnecessary pressure.
Real conversation is not like reading from a script.
People think while they speak.
They pause.
They restart sentences.
They search for words.
They change their minds.
They clarify what they mean.
Conversation fillers help manage these natural moments.
Fillers Give You Time to Think
Imagine someone asks:
“What would you change about your city?”
You may need two or three seconds to organize your thoughts.
Instead of remaining completely silent, you can say:
“That’s a good question. Let me think for a second.”
Now you have created thinking time naturally.
Fillers Make Speech Sound Less Mechanical
Compare:
“I disagree. The plan is expensive.”
with:
“Well, I’m not sure I completely agree. I think the plan might be too expensive.”
The second version sounds more conversational and less abrupt.
Fillers Help You Keep Your Turn
In conversation, silence can sometimes make the other person think you have finished speaking.
A filler tells them:
“I’m still thinking. I’m not finished yet.”
For example:
“So... what I’m trying to say is... we probably need another option.”
Fillers Can Soften Strong Statements
Compare:
“You are wrong.”
with:
“Well, I’m not sure that’s exactly what happened.”
The second version is much softer.
This is especially useful in polite discussions.
25 Natural English Conversation Fillers
1. Well...
“Well” is one of the most useful conversation fillers in English.
It often appears at the beginning of an answer.
Example
A: Do you like working from home?
B: Well, I like the flexibility, but sometimes I miss working with other people.
“Well” gives you a moment to think and often signals that your answer is not simply yes or no.
Use it when:
-
you need a second to think,
-
your answer is complicated,
-
you want to disagree gently,
-
or you want to introduce an opinion.
Another example
A: Was the restaurant good?
B: Well, the food was excellent, but the service was really slow.
2. So...
“So” is another extremely common conversational word.
It can introduce a thought, conclusion, explanation, or new topic.
Example
“So... what should we do next?”
or:
“So, I think we have two options.”
It can also give you a short thinking pause.
Example
A: How are you going to solve the problem?
B: So... I think the first step is to talk to the customer.
Be careful not to begin every sentence with “so,” especially in formal presentations.
3. You Know...
“You know” is very common in informal conversation.
Speakers often use it when they assume the listener understands the general idea.
Example
“It was, you know, one of those situations where nobody really knew what to do.”
It can also help you search for words.
Example
“We went to that restaurant near the station, you know, the Italian one.”
“You know” is natural, but overusing it can become distracting.
4. I Mean...
“I mean” is useful when you want to explain, correct, or clarify something you just said.
Example
“It wasn’t bad. I mean, the beginning was a little slow, but I enjoyed the rest.”
It can also help you adjust your statement.
Example
“It was expensive. I mean, not extremely expensive, but more than I expected.”
This phrase is especially common in natural spoken English.
5. Actually...
“Actually” can introduce a correction, surprising fact, or slightly different opinion.
Example
A: Have you lived here your whole life?
B: Actually, I moved here about five years ago.
It can also buy a little thinking time.
Example
“Actually... now that I think about it, there may be another solution.”
Do not use “actually” simply because you need a random filler. It usually has a meaning: correction, contrast, or unexpected information.
6. Basically...
“Basically” means that you are giving the main idea in a simple way.
Example
“Basically, we need to finish the first stage before we start the second.”
It is useful when explaining something complicated.
Example
A: What does the software do?
B: Basically, it helps companies organize customer information.
Avoid using “basically” before every explanation.
7. Let Me Think...
This is one of the clearest phrases to use when you genuinely need time.
Example
A: What was the name of that restaurant?
B: Let me think... I think it was called Bella Roma.
This phrase is natural because it tells the listener exactly what is happening.
You are thinking.
8. Let’s See...
“Let’s see” is useful when you are trying to remember something or work something out.
Example
“Let’s see... we arrived on Monday, stayed three nights, and left on Thursday.”
It is especially common when:
-
remembering,
-
calculating,
-
checking options,
-
or planning.
9. That’s a Good Question
This is one of the best phrases when someone asks you something that requires thought.
Example
A: Where do you see yourself in five years?
B: That’s a good question. I’d like to be working in a leadership role...
It works in:
-
interviews,
-
discussions,
-
conversations,
-
meetings,
-
classes.
However, use it naturally. Saying “That’s a good question” after every question can sound artificial.
10. How Can I Put This?
Use this phrase when you know your idea but need time to express it carefully.
Example
“How can I put this? The project is promising, but I don’t think it’s ready yet.”
This phrase is especially helpful when:
-
giving criticism,
-
explaining something sensitive,
-
or expressing a complicated idea.
11. How Should I Say This?
This phrase is similar to “How can I put this?”
Example
“How should I say this? I think we need to reconsider the whole plan.”
It signals that you are choosing your words carefully.
12. The Thing Is...
“The thing is” introduces an explanation or problem.
Example
“I’d love to come. The thing is, I already have plans that evening.”
It helps create a natural transition from a statement to an explanation.
Example
“The thing is, we don’t have enough information yet.”
This is common in informal and neutral conversation.
13. The Point Is...
“The point is” introduces the main idea.
Example
“The point is, we need to make a decision before Friday.”
It is useful when a conversation has become complicated and you want to return to the main issue.
14. Anyway...
“Anyway” helps you return to the original topic or move the conversation forward.
Example
“We talked about the hotel for an hour. Anyway, we finally decided to book it.”
It can also help end a side discussion.
Example
“Anyway, where were we?”
This is especially useful in long conversations.
15. By the Way...
“By the way” introduces a new but related topic.
Example
“By the way, did you receive my email?”
It is not mainly a thinking filler, but it is a very useful conversation-management phrase.
Example
“By the way, before I forget, are you free tomorrow?”
16. As I Was Saying...
Use this when you were interrupted and want to continue your original point.
Example
“As I was saying, the first option is probably the safest.”
It helps you return smoothly to your previous sentence.
17. What I Mean Is...
This phrase helps clarify your meaning.
Example
“I don’t think the idea is bad. What I mean is, we may need more time to develop it.”
It is especially helpful if you think the listener misunderstood you.
18. What I’m Trying to Say Is...
This expression is useful when your explanation is becoming complicated.
Example
“What I’m trying to say is that we need to focus on quality before speed.”
It gives you time while also summarizing your main idea.
19. In Other Words...
Use “in other words” when you want to explain something differently.
Example
“The deadline has been moved forward. In other words, we now have less time.”
This phrase is especially useful in professional and academic conversations.
20. Kind Of...
“Kind of” is common in informal spoken English.
It can mean:
“somewhat”
or:
“approximately”
or:
“difficult to describe exactly.”
Example
“I was kind of surprised when he called.”
Another example:
“It’s kind of difficult to explain.”
It can soften statements and make them sound less absolute.
In more formal writing or presentations, use it less often.
21. Sort Of...
“Sort of” works similarly to “kind of.”
Example
“I sort of understand what you mean.”
or:
“It was sort of a combination of a meeting and a workshop.”
This is natural in casual conversation.
22. I Guess...
“I guess” introduces an uncertain opinion or conclusion.
Example
“I guess we could try again tomorrow.”
It makes a statement sound less forceful.
Example
“I guess the main problem is that nobody knew who was responsible.”
23. I Suppose...
“I suppose” is similar to “I guess,” although it can sound slightly more thoughtful or reserved.
Example
“I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.”
It is common in British English but understood widely.
24. To Be Honest...
“To be honest” introduces an honest opinion, often one that may be unexpected.
Example
“To be honest, I didn’t really enjoy the event.”
It can also provide a moment to think.
However, do not overuse it.
If you say “to be honest” before every opinion, it may sound strange because it can accidentally suggest that your other statements are less honest.
25. If I’m Being Honest...
This is similar to “to be honest.”
Example
“If I’m being honest, I expected the project to take much longer.”
It is often used when giving a personal or direct opinion.
Again, it should be used selectively.
Fillers You Can Use When You Need More Time
Sometimes you need more than one second.
A simple “well” may not be enough.
Use a longer phrase.
“Give Me a Second...”
Example
A: What was his phone number?
B: Give me a second... I think I have it here.
This is casual and common.
“Let Me Think About That...”
Example
“That’s interesting. Let me think about that for a moment.”
This sounds thoughtful rather than nervous.
“I Need a Second to Think”
Example
“I need a second to think. There are a few different options.”
This is direct but natural.
“That’s an Interesting Question”
Example
“That’s an interesting question. I think the biggest challenge is probably cost.”
This is useful in interviews and discussions.
“I Haven’t Really Thought About That Before”
Example
“I haven’t really thought about that before, but I’d probably choose Canada.”
This is useful when the question is unexpected.
Fillers for Remembering Something
Sometimes you are not organizing an opinion.
You are trying to remember something.
Use these phrases:
“Let me see...”
“Let me think...”
“What was it called?”
“What was his name again?”
“If I remember correctly...”
“As far as I remember...”
“I think it was...”
Example
A: When did you first visit London?
B: Let me think... I think it was in 2019.
Another example:
A: Who was your teacher?
B: What was his name again? Oh, Mr. Harris.
These phrases make the pause feel natural.
Fillers for Correcting Yourself
Fluent speakers frequently correct themselves in the middle of sentences.
You can do the same.
Useful phrases include:
“I mean...”
“Actually...”
“Or rather...”
“Let me rephrase that.”
“What I mean is...”
Example
“The meeting is on Wednesday—I mean Thursday.”
Another example:
“The problem is cost. Actually, let me rephrase that. The bigger problem is timing.”
Self-correction is not a sign of poor English.
It is a normal part of spontaneous speech.
Fillers for Giving an Opinion
When someone asks for your opinion, you can begin naturally with:
“Well...”
“I think...”
“I’d say...”
“I suppose...”
“I guess...”
“From my point of view...”
“The way I see it...”
“For me...”
Example
A: Do you think online learning is effective?
B: Well, I think it can be very effective if students stay engaged.
Another example:
A: Which option is better?
B: I’d say the second one is more practical.
These phrases help you enter your answer smoothly.
Fillers for Disagreeing Politely
Conversation fillers can make disagreement sound less aggressive.
Compare:
“No, that’s wrong.”
with:
“Well, I’m not sure I completely agree.”
The second sounds much more natural and respectful.
Useful phrases include:
“Well...”
“I’m not sure about that.”
“I see what you mean, but...”
“I understand your point, although...”
“I suppose that’s true, but...”
“The thing is...”
Example
A: We should launch the product next week.
B: Well, I see what you mean, but I think we need more testing first.
The filler gives you time while softening your response.
Fillers for Changing the Topic
Natural conversations frequently move from one topic to another.
Useful phrases include:
“Anyway...”
“By the way...”
“Speaking of...”
“That reminds me...”
“Before I forget...”
Example
“Speaking of travel, have you booked your flight yet?”
Another example:
“By the way, did Sarah call you?”
These phrases make transitions smoother.
Fillers for Returning to the Main Topic
Sometimes conversations move away from the original subject.
You can return with:
“Anyway...”
“Going back to what I was saying...”
“As I was saying...”
“Back to the main point...”
“Where was I?”
Example
“Anyway, going back to the project, we still need to decide on the budget.”
These expressions help you control longer conversations.
The Difference Between Natural Fillers and Bad Habits
Conversation fillers are useful.
But there is an important difference between using fillers naturally and depending on them too much.
Consider this sentence:
“Well, I mean, you know, basically, like, I guess we should, you know, probably go.”
The speaker uses so many fillers that the message becomes difficult to follow.
A clearer version is:
“Well, I think we should probably go.”
The goal is not to remove all fillers.
The goal is balance.
Common Filler Words You Should Not Overuse
Um and Uh
“Um” and “uh” are extremely common hesitation sounds.
Native speakers use them too.
Example
“I was, um, wondering if you were free tomorrow.”
A small amount sounds natural.
Too much can make you sound unprepared.
For example:
“Um, I, uh, think, um, maybe we should, uh...”
This becomes difficult to listen to.
Like
“Like” is very common in informal spoken English, especially among younger speakers.
Example
“It was, like, really crowded.”
or:
“I was like, ‘What are you doing?’”
However, excessive use can become distracting.
Avoid:
“It was, like, really, like, difficult because, like, nobody knew what to do.”
A clearer version is:
“It was really difficult because nobody knew what to do.”
You Know
“You know” can be very natural.
But repeated too often:
“You know, I went there and, you know, we talked and, you know...”
can weaken your speech.
Use it occasionally rather than automatically.
Basically
“Basically” is useful when summarizing.
But if every explanation begins with:
“Basically...”
it loses its purpose.
Actually
“Actually” should usually introduce a correction, contrast, or unexpected point.
Do not add it randomly to every sentence.
Are Fillers Bad English?
No.
Natural conversation contains hesitation, pauses, fillers, repairs, and restarts.
A completely filler-free conversation may actually sound overly rehearsed.
The problem is not using fillers.
The problem is overusing them.
Good speakers use fillers strategically.
They use them to:
-
gain a little time,
-
organize thoughts,
-
soften statements,
-
clarify ideas,
-
change topics,
-
or maintain conversation flow.
Formal vs Informal Conversation Fillers
Some fillers are better suited to casual conversation.
Informal Fillers
Common examples include:
“Like...”
“You know...”
“Kind of...”
“Sort of...”
“I guess...”
“Anyway...”
These are natural with friends and coworkers in casual conversation.
Neutral Fillers
These work in many situations:
“Well...”
“So...”
“Let me think.”
“Actually...”
“I mean...”
“That’s a good question.”
“The thing is...”
More Professional Thinking Phrases
For meetings, interviews, presentations, or formal discussions, use:
“That’s an interesting question.”
“Let me think about that for a moment.”
“I’d say the main issue is...”
“The way I see it...”
“There are a few things to consider.”
“If I understand the question correctly...”
“Let me put it this way.”
These phrases give you thinking time while sounding composed.
What to Say in a Job Interview While You Think
Job interviews can be stressful because you may feel pressure to answer immediately.
You do not have to.
Instead of filling the silence with nervous “um” sounds, use a professional phrase.
Example
Interviewer:
“What was the most difficult challenge you faced in your previous role?”
Candidate:
“That’s a good question. Let me think for a moment. I’d say the biggest challenge was managing a project with a very short deadline.”
This sounds much more confident than:
“Umm... I don’t know... maybe... umm...”
Other useful interview fillers include:
“That’s an interesting question.”
“I’d say...”
“There are a couple of things that come to mind.”
“Let me give you an example.”
“If I had to choose one...”
“The first thing that comes to mind is...”
These phrases help organize your answer.
What to Say in Meetings While You Think
Meetings often require quick responses.
You may be asked:
“What do you think?”
“Can we finish this by Friday?”
“What is the best solution?”
Instead of answering too quickly, use thinking phrases.
Examples
“Let me think about that for a second.”
“There are a few things we should consider.”
“My first thought is...”
“The way I see it...”
“I think the main issue is...”
“Let me put it another way.”
These phrases sound thoughtful and professional.
How Fillers Help English Fluency
Fluency does not mean speaking extremely fast.
It means communicating smoothly.
A fluent speaker can manage pauses without losing control of the conversation.
Fillers help because they give your brain more processing time.
Instead of:
silence → panic → incorrect sentence
you can create:
filler → thinking time → clearer sentence
For example:
A: Why do you want to learn English?
B: Well... I think the main reason is that I want to communicate with more people internationally.
The word “well” gives the speaker a small mental pause.
That pause may be only one second, but one second can make a big difference when speaking a second language.
How to Stop Saying “Um” Too Much
You do not need to eliminate “um” completely.
But if you use it constantly, try replacing some of your hesitation sounds with meaningful phrases.
Instead of:
“Um... um... I think... um...”
try:
“Well, let me think.”
or:
“That’s a good question.”
or:
“I’d say...”
You can also use silence.
A short pause is not a problem.
In fact, a calm two-second pause can sound more confident than five nervous fillers.
Silence Is Also a Conversation Tool
Many learners are afraid of silence.
They believe every second must contain a word.
That is not true.
A short pause can sound thoughtful.
Imagine someone asks:
“What is the biggest lesson you learned from that experience?”
You can pause briefly and then say:
“I think the biggest lesson was the importance of preparation.”
That can sound more confident than:
“Umm... like... you know... I guess...”
Fillers are useful, but silence is also useful.
The best speakers combine both.
A Simple Strategy for Using Fillers Naturally
Use this four-step approach.
Step 1: Choose Five Core Fillers
Start with:
“Well...”
“Let me think.”
“I mean...”
“Actually...”
“That’s a good question.”
Do not try to memorize 30 phrases at once.
Step 2: Practice Complete Answers
Question:
“What do you enjoy doing on weekends?”
Answer:
“Well, I usually spend time with my family, and sometimes I go out with friends.”
Question:
“What would you change about your job?”
Answer:
“That’s a good question. I think I’d like a little more flexibility.”
Step 3: Record Yourself
Answer simple questions for one or two minutes.
Listen to your recording.
Notice:
-
how often you say “um,”
-
whether you repeat one filler,
-
whether your pauses sound natural,
-
and whether your speech remains clear.
Step 4: Replace Repetitive Fillers
If you say “you know” ten times, replace some of them with:
“well,”
“actually,”
“I mean,”
or simply silence.
Practice Questions
Use these questions to practice conversation fillers.
-
What is your favorite place in your city?
-
What skill would you like to learn?
-
What makes a good friend?
-
Do you prefer working alone or in a team?
-
What was the last movie you watched?
-
What would you do if you had one month free?
-
What is something you would like to improve about yourself?
-
Do you think technology makes life easier?
-
What is the best advice you have received?
-
Where would you like to travel?
Try beginning your answers with different fillers.
For example:
“Well...”
“That’s an interesting question.”
“Let me think.”
“I’d say...”
“The first thing that comes to mind is...”
Example Conversation Using Natural Fillers
A: So, what did you think of the presentation?
B: Well, overall I thought it was good.
A: Was there anything you didn’t like?
B: Let me think... I guess some of the slides were a little too detailed.
A: Do you think they should change them?
B: Yeah. I mean, the information is useful, but there’s probably too much text.
A: What would you change?
B: Hmm... I’d probably use more visuals. Actually, I think that would make the main points much easier to remember.
Notice how the fillers make the conversation sound natural without overwhelming it.
Common Mistakes With English Conversation Fillers
Mistake 1: Using Too Many Fillers
Avoid:
“Like, you know, basically, I mean, it was kind of, like, difficult.”
Better:
“Well, it was quite difficult.”
Mistake 2: Using the Same Filler Repeatedly
If every sentence begins:
“Basically...”
your speech will sound repetitive.
Build variety.
Mistake 3: Using Informal Fillers in Very Formal Situations
In a formal presentation, saying:
“Like, you know...”
repeatedly may sound too casual.
Use:
“Let me put it this way.”
“There are two main points to consider.”
“Let me think about that for a moment.”
Mistake 4: Thinking Fillers Automatically Make You Fluent
Fillers support fluency.
They do not replace vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, or listening practice.
Use them as conversation tools, not as a substitute for learning English.
Mistake 5: Being Afraid of Pauses
You do not need a filler every time you think.
Sometimes silence is the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are the Most Common English Conversation Fillers?
Some of the most common fillers include:
“Well,”
“So,”
“You know,”
“I mean,”
“Actually,”
“Basically,”
“Let me think,”
and:
“I guess.”
The best fillers depend on the situation and level of formality.
2. What Can I Say Instead of “Um”?
Try:
“Well...”
“Let me think.”
“That’s a good question.”
“Let’s see.”
“I’d say...”
“I mean...”
You can also simply pause for a moment.
3. Are Filler Words Bad English?
No.
Fillers are a normal part of spoken language.
The problem appears when they are used so frequently that they distract the listener or make the message difficult to follow.
4. How Can I Sound Natural While Thinking in English?
Use short thinking phrases such as:
“Well...”
“Let me think.”
“That’s interesting.”
“I’d say...”
“The thing is...”
Then continue your answer.
Short pauses also help.
5. Is “You Know” a Filler?
Yes, it can function as a conversational filler.
For example:
“It was, you know, difficult to explain.”
It can also signal shared understanding.
However, avoid using it in every sentence.
6. Is “Like” a Filler Word?
Yes.
In informal English, “like” can be used as a filler or approximation.
For example:
“It was, like, really surprising.”
However, excessive use can make speech less clear.
7. Which Fillers Are Best for Job Interviews?
Professional choices include:
“That’s a good question.”
“Let me think about that for a moment.”
“I’d say...”
“There are a few things to consider.”
“The first thing that comes to mind is...”
These sound more professional than repeated “um” and “like.”
8. How Can I Stop Using Too Many Fillers?
Record yourself speaking.
Identify the filler you use most.
Then deliberately replace some of those fillers with:
-
a short pause,
-
a different phrase,
-
or a more meaningful transition.
Practice gradually rather than trying to eliminate all fillers immediately.
9. Do Native Speakers Use Fillers?
Yes.
Native and fluent speakers regularly use fillers, pauses, corrections, and sentence restarts.
Natural conversation is rarely perfectly polished.
The difference is that experienced speakers often use fillers more selectively.
10. Should I Use Fillers in Formal English?
Yes, but choose appropriate ones.
In formal situations, use phrases such as:
“Let me think about that.”
“That’s an interesting question.”
“Let me put it this way.”
“There are several things to consider.”
Avoid excessive use of very casual fillers such as “like” and “you know.”
Conclusion
English conversation fillers are small expressions with a surprisingly important role.
They help you think.
They help you organize your ideas.
They help you soften disagreement.
They help you correct yourself.
They help you keep the conversation moving when the perfect word does not immediately come to mind.
Useful fillers include:
“Well...”
“So...”
“Let me think.”
“You know...”
“I mean...”
“Actually...”
“That’s a good question.”
“How can I put this?”
“The thing is...”
“What I mean is...”
The goal is not to fill every silence.
You also do not need to remove every “um” or “uh” from your speech.
Instead, learn to use fillers intentionally.
A short filler can give your brain the extra second it needs to prepare a clear sentence.
A short pause can make you sound thoughtful.
A clarification phrase can help you correct yourself naturally.
And a good transition can make your English conversation flow more smoothly.
Start with five useful phrases and practice them in complete answers.
Try:
“Well...”
“Let me think.”
“I mean...”
“Actually...”
“That’s a good question.”
Use them in everyday conversations, speaking practice, meetings, classes, and interviews.
Over time, you will become more comfortable with pauses and less afraid of needing time to think.
That is an important part of real English fluency.
You do not need to speak without hesitation.
You need to know how to manage hesitation naturally.