The Words That, Like, Sneak Into Every Conversation
Here's a question for you: how many ums and likes have you said in the past hour? You might scoff and say "none," but if you asked the people around you or recorded yourself speaking, you'd probably realize you say these words much more often than you think. And you're not alone: everyone is used to peppering their conversations with these fillers that serve no real purpose other than to buy your brain a little extra time, and you often don't know you're doing it until someone points it out. Here are the 10 most common filler words we all, um, love using when talking, and 10 tips to cut the habit for good.
1. Um
Um is probably the most universally recognized filler word in the English language, and nearly everyone slips it in at some point. It tends to pop up when you're mid-sentence and, well, um, haven't quite figured out what you want to say next. Most people don't even realize how often they're saying it until they hear themselves on a recording.
2. Like
Like has evolved well beyond its original function as a word of comparison, and it's now one of the most overused fillers in everyday speech. You'll hear it wedged between almost any two parts of a sentence, especially among younger generations. It often appears multiple times in, like, a single breath without, like, adding any actual meaning to, like, what's being said.
3. You Know
You know is another social filler that speakers often toss in when they're looking for reassurance or agreement from the other person. It frequently turns up at the end of statements as a way of checking in, as if the speaker wants confirmation that they're being understood, you know? The habit tends to show up most when someone is explaining something they're not entirely sure how to articulate.
4. Uh
Uh is similar to um but tends to be shorter and more abrupt, often appearing when someone is caught slightly off-guard or searching for a specific word. It's one of those sounds that happens almost involuntarily, filling the silence before the brain catches up with the mouth. Even seasoned public speakers occasionally slip in an uh or two when they lose their train of thought.
5. Basically
Basically is one of those filler words that disguises itself as useful because it sounds like it's about to introduce a summary. In practice, though, it basically often shows up before statements that aren't summaries at all, which strips it of any real meaning. People tend to lean on it when they're simplifying a concept, whether or not simplification is actually necessary.
6. Literally
Literally has literally become one of the most debated filler words in modern speech, largely because it's so often used in situations where nothing is literal at all. It tends to sneak in as an intensifier, meant to emphasize a point even when the point doesn't call for emphasis. Its overuse has become so widespread that most people no longer register it as unusual when they hear it.
7. Actually
Actually often creeps in as a way of softening a correction or adding a slight edge of surprise to what's being said. It's the kind of word that's easy to sprinkle into speech without thinking, partly because it sounds like it's contributing something meaningful. Over time, though, it can start to feel dismissive or condescending to the listener if it's used too frequently.
8. So
So is a particularly sneaky filler because it serves a legitimate grammatical purpose, which makes it much harder to notice when it's being overused. It frequently shows up at the very start of answers, even when there's no logical reason for the connection it implies. You've probably noticed people kicking off their responses with a drawn-out so (or, okay, so), especially during interviews or presentations.
9. Right
Right functions a lot like you know in that it's often tagged onto the end of statements as a bid for validation from whoever's listening. It can make a speaker sound uncertain, as though they're constantly checking whether their points are landing the way they intended...right?
10. I Mean
I mean is a filler that often signals a speaker is about to clarify or walk something back, even when no clarification is needed. It tends to appear at the start of a sentence as a verbal runway, giving the speaker a beat to figure out what they actually want to say. Some people use it so habitually that it becomes a reflexive opener for almost any statement they make.
So, are you, like, ready to stop your habit of using all these filler words? If you are, we've basically got some tips that might just help.
1. Record Yourself Speaking
One of the most eye-opening things you can do is listen back to a recording of yourself in conversation or giving a presentation; you might be surprised by just how many filler words you'll catch when you're no longer caught up in the moment of speaking. Once you have a clear picture of which words you rely on most, you'll naturally start to notice them in real time, too.
2. Embrace the Pause
Many filler words exist simply to fill the silence while you gather your thoughts, which means getting comfortable with pausing is one of the most effective ways to cut back. A brief pause actually sounds far more composed and intentional than a string of ums or uhs does to the people listening. Practicing deliberate pauses during low-stakes conversations can help train you to reach for silence instead of a filler word.
3. Slow Down Your Pace
Speaking too quickly is one of the most common reasons filler words multiply, because your mouth ends up outpacing your thoughts. Slowing down gives your brain enough time to find the right words before you need them, which reduces the urge to fill the gap with something meaningless. You don't need to speak unnaturally slowly; even a modest reduction in pace can make a noticeable difference.
4. Practice with Someone You Trust
Asking a friend, partner, or colleague to give you honest feedback in conversation can be a really effective way to hold yourself accountable. Have them signal you discreetly when a filler word slips out; that way, you'll be conscious of the habit in real-world settings. Over time, you might start catching yourself before the words even come out.
5. Expand Your Vocabulary
Sometimes filler words sneak in because you're reaching for a word or phrase that isn't quite coming to you in the moment. Building a stronger, more varied vocabulary gives you more options to draw from when you're mid-thought and looking for the right expression. Reading regularly, learning new words, and practicing them in daily conversation are all genuinely useful ways to reduce the verbal gaps that fillers tend to fill.
6. Prepare Before You Speak
If you know you have a presentation, meeting, or important conversation coming up, taking the time to prepare thoroughly will give you much more confidence in what you're saying. Filler words often increase when someone isn't sure where their sentence is going, so having a clear sense of your key points ahead of time naturally keeps them in check. Even jotting down a few notes before a phone call or discussion can reduce how often you find yourself stalling mid-sentence.
7. Identify Your Personal Trigger Words
Not everyone relies on the same fillers, which is why it's worth figuring out which specific words you personally default to most. Once you've identified your go-to fillers, you can train your attention to zero in on those particular words rather than trying to monitor your speech in a general way. Targeting one or two specific habits at a time is far more manageable than attempting to overhaul your entire speaking style all at once.
8. Take a Public Speaking Course
Enrolling in a public speaking or communication course is one of the most structured and effective ways to address filler word habits with proper guidance. Many courses tackle filler words directly, offering exercises and techniques specifically designed to help speakers become more conscious of their verbal patterns. Getting regular, supportive feedback in a low-pressure environment can help you overcome your ingrained verbal habits.
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9. Stay Present During Conversations
A lot of filler words slip in when your attention is divided, whether you're distracted, overthinking, or already jumping ahead to your next point. Practicing active listening keeps you more engaged in the flow of conversation, which in turn helps you respond more thoughtfully and with less verbal clutter. The more present you are in a discussion, the less likely you are to feel the need to stall for time while your thoughts catch up.
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10. Be Patient with Yourself
Breaking any long-standing verbal habit takes time, and it's important to approach the process with a reasonable amount of patience. Expecting instant results will only lead to frustration, so giving yourself credit for gradual progress is a much healthier and more sustainable mindset. Most people find that consistent, low-pressure practice over weeks and months produces far better results than trying to force a dramatic change all at once.
