An Explanation on Phrase Fillers

The filler phrases or words, or discourse markers are the words, sounds, or phrases that are used by the individual to fill up the space in writing or conversation without adding substance. In simple words, filler phrases and sentences can be defined as the short and meaningless words or sounds that are used to fill the little pause an individual takes while deciding what to speak net.

The filler phrases in english consist of  ums, uhs, and  ers that litter the conservations whether it’s liked by one or not. Although these filler words do not add any meaning to the English sentences, a function is performed by them in the speech. The filler words allow an individual to take a second and think about what to speak next. In addition to this, the filler words let the other person know that you are not done speaking yet, even if you are pausing for a moment.

Filler words and phrases in writing

The filler phrases and words take a form different from speaking when it comes to writing. When speaking, ums, uhs, and ers are the most commonly used filler words. But when writing some more filler words are used to extend the writing without actually adding any meaning to the sentences. 

Here mentioned are some examples of filler phrases and sentences:

• Just: Could you just deliver me that package when you have time?
• Basically: Basically, he could eat oats for any meal.
• Um: She, um, don’t get what you are saying. 
• Uh: Can you, uh, give me that book. 
• Er: This looks like it may be, er, possibly could be a statue.
• Ah: He thinks that ah…. Yes, that’s the file he needs.
• Like: He has, like, a hundred pairs of shoes. 
• Okay: Okay, I think they are ready to go.
• Right: Yes, right, I do look forward to meeting you. 
• You know: I always take backup of important files just in case, you know?
• Totally: That’s totally what she said, even after our conversation.
• Literally: He literally completed his assignment one minute ago.
• Well: Well, let’s hold off on that party for quite some days. 
• You see: You see, we both want the project to be successful so why not we work together cooperatively. 
• I mean: I mean, you should really go to the party, you might enjoy it.
• I guess: I guess we can go there if you want. 
• Seriously: You seriously need to try this dish, it’s delicious. 
• So: So, you knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
• Very: The seminar was very informative and productive. 
• Really: He really worked hard for this project. 
• Highly: She is highly qualified for this particular job. 
• Needless to say: Needless to say, this concept is important for the exam.
• For what it’s worth: For what it’s worth, he does not support non-violence for justice. 
• At the end of the day: At the end of the day, the company needs more information before coming up with a decision. 

When should be the filler words used?

While one should try avoiding using filler phrases when communicating professionally, here mentioned are some situations when it is fine to use filler words:

• When individuals need time to organize their thoughts: The filler phrases in english can be used in case one needs to decide how to best deliver their next statement.
• When one is thinking about a word or estimating figures: If an individual needs to remember a word or estimate a figure in his or her head, then using a filler phrase will let the listener know that one is not done yet.
• To reduce the intensity of a comment: Using a filler word or phrase can reduce the intensity or soften a sensitive comment.
• To make a situation more casual: It is the filler phrases that allow a person to make a situation more casual, which proves to be helpful when one needs to appear more relatable.
• When one wants to strengthen or weaken the statement: Using filler words or phrases like, ‘very’, ‘highly’, ‘really’, and so on allows one to reflect his or her confidence in the statements.

To engage the listener: Using filler words or phrases like ‘you know?’, ‘right?’ can encourage listeners to give feedback and thus, motivates them to engage in the communication. 

Conclusion

Filler words or phrases are referred to as short and meaningless words or sounds used to fill the gap in writing or speaking. The filler words include, um, uh, er, really, just, basically, really, needless to say, okay, literally, etc. Although one should avoid using such filler words, especially when communicating professionally, these filler phrases allow the person to take a second and think about what to speak next.