Filler Words and Common English Expressions

Navigating Everyday English: Exploring Filler Words and Common Expressions

Every language has its own unique set of colloquial expressions and phrases that people use in casual conversations to convey certain sentiments or emotions. In English, there are many such expressions that are used on a daily basis. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most commonly used English expressions and their meanings.

At the end of the day

This expression is often used to signify the most important point or the final conclusion of a discussion. It's commonly used when people want to summarise a long conversation or debate. For example, "We could continue to debate this issue, but at the end of the day, we need to make a decision".

You know

This expression is often used as a filler word and doesn't add much to the sentence's meaning. However, it's commonly used to indicate a shared understanding between the speaker and the listener. For example, "I was really tired, you know, after working all day".

If you know what I mean

This expression is used to indicate that the speaker is trying to communicate something without saying it explicitly. It's often used when discussing something sensitive or taboo. For example, "I had to take care of some personal business last night, if you know what I mean".

Do you get me?

This expression is similar to "if you know what I mean" and is used to check if the listener has understood the speaker's message. For example, "I need you to pick up some milk on the way home, do you get me?"

Sort of

This expression is used to indicate that something is partially true or partially correct. For example, "I sort of like the new design, but I think we can do better".

Sort of thing

This expression is used to indicate that something is an example or representative of a larger category or group. For example, "I'm interested in photography, you know, landscapes, portraits, that sort of thing".

Basically

This expression is often used as a filler word to introduce a summary or a conclusion. For example, "Basically, what I'm trying to say is that we need to work harder if we want to succeed".

Kind of

This expression is similar to "sort of" and is used to indicate that something is not completely true or accurate. For example, "I kind of remember meeting him before, but I can't be sure".

Um/Errr/Well

These expressions are used as filler words when the speaker is thinking or hesitating. For example, "Well, I'm not sure what to say" or "Um, let me think about that for a moment".

Like

This expression is often used as a filler word, but it can also be used to indicate a similarity or comparison. For example, "I don't know, like, what do you want to do tonight?" or "She's, like, always on her phone, you know?"

Understanding these expressions can help non-native speakers communicate more effectively in English, especially in informal settings. By familiarising oneself with these commonly used English expressions, one can avoid confusion and improve their communication skills. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out the video on our YouTube channel "English Phrase Collection".