“Like” is one of the most commonly used words in English – and when you’re new to learning the language, it can be a bit of a confusing one, as it has so many different meanings!
In fact – did you know that there are actually five different ways to use the word “like”? Phew! Sounds like hard work.
You might hear it a lot in everyday spoken English – especially as it has become very popular to use colloquially. But if you’re not sure on how to use this word correctly, then read on to find out.
Like – to enjoy
One of the most common ways that you’ll hear the word “like” is as a verb – “to like”.
This is a verb used to express the fact that you enjoy something, and it can be used just like many other verbs in English.
For example: “I like walking to work, but she liked to drive instead.”
Nice and simple!
Would like – to request something
“Like” can also be used as an alternative to the verb, “to want”, in a form that is considered less aggressive and demanding, and more polite. You would use the word with the modal verb, “would”, and you always need to use the full phrase “would like”.
For example: “She would like to place her order now.”
Be like – to describe the characteristics of something
This is when the uses of “like” start to get a bit more complex. In this use, the word is used to describe the personality, character or particular traits of something.
In this case it is used with the verb “to be”. If you are using it in the past tense, only the main part of the verb “to be” is changed, and the word “like” stays the same.
For example: “What was he really like?”
Like – as a simile
Developing from the previous use of the word, “like” is often used as a simile – or a comparison with something else, in order to describe something.
Sounds confusing? Let’s take a look at an example!
“The bedroom was like a disaster zone.”
In a simile, you still need to use the verb “to be” with the word “like”, but instead of describing the actual characteristics, you can use something else – which might be drastically different.
For example: “She was nervous and shaky, like a mouse.”
This is a great way of adding a bit more personality into your spoken English, but you would not use similes very often in written English, unless you are writing creatively.
Look like – describing appearances
The last common use of the word “like” is to describe experiences. This is done through the verb “to look like”. You can use this just as in the previous examples when you used the form “to be like”. In this case, the part of the phrase that changes according to tense and subject is “look”, while the word “like” stays the same.
For example: “I look like a really messy person, while she looks like a celebrity!”
Your turn
Understanding how the word “like” is used in different contexts and forms is a really helpful way to build on your English skills – make sure you practice each of the five uses as much as you can!
A Grammatical Analysis for Children
The word like serves as seven of the parts of speech. The only function it doesn’t serve? It isn’t a pronoun. But it does cover the other seven.
Like as a Verb
If your children ask about the correct meaning of like, point out that it serves as a verb, all by itself. Your children can say, “I like waffles” or “I would like another serving.”
Like as a Preposition
Point out that it also serves as a preposition and in that capacity hooks nouns to sentences. Your children can say, “He runs like the wind.”
Indeed, go ahead and point out that to be can join like if they truly want to show what something or somebody was like.
Thus the commercial “I want to be like Mike” has its grammar in order.
So does “He was like a father to me.”
But virtually everyone addicted to the like word uses it to show not what something is like but what something actually is. They use it to show identity (is), not similarity (like): He’s like tall. Well, is he or isn’t he?
Like as a Noun
You can also point out that like serves as a noun, as in likes and dislikes.
Like as an Adjective
The word spans almost all parts of speech and can serve as an adjective (she mastered lacrosse, field hockey, and like sports).
Like as an Adverb
Informally, like can serve as an adverb (the tree is more like 100 than 50 feet).
Like as a Conjunction
Here we stir up a hornet’s nest. According to some sources, the word like can also act as a subordinating conjunction.
Charles Darwin wrote in 1866: “Unfortunately few have observed like you have done.” New Fowler, p. 458.
Consider the words of Random House:
Like as a conjunction meaning “as, in the same way as” (Many shoppers study the food ads like brokers study market reports) or “as if” (It looks like it will rain) has been used for nearly 500 years and by many distinguished literary and intellectual figures. Since the mid-19th century there have been objections, often vehement, to these uses. Nevertheless, such uses are almost universal today in all but the most formal speech and writing. In extremely careful speech and in much formal writing, as, as if, and as though are more commonly used than like: The commanding general accepted full responsibility for the incident, as any professional soldier would. Many of the Greenwich Village bohemians lived as if (or as though) there were no tomorrow. Random House, p. 1114.
Other sources fervently disagree with this loose approach. Mr. Fowler himself minced no words:
Every illiterate person uses this construction daily . . . . New Fowler, p. 458.
The Oxford English Dictionary notes that examples of the use of like as a conjunction do appear in the works of “many recent writers of standing” but also points out that such use is “generally condemned as vulgar or slovenly . . . .” Quoted in New Fowler, p. 458.
Click page 2 below ….
Like as a Conjunction: Four Uses
New Fowler examined the works of leading writers in England, America, and other countries, and identified four situations where they use like as a conjunction:
1. The If you knew Susie Exception: Repeat the Verb
In the subordinate clause, writers often repeat the verb appearing in the main clause. They introduce the subordinate clause with like:
I need a new car like I need a hole in the head. —E. Good, 2001.
If you knew Susie like I know Susie . . . .
New Fowler’s Comment: “[This construction] must surely escape further censure or reproach.”
The following examples and comments appear in New Fowler, p. 458.
2. To Replace As If or As Though
It looks like it’s still a fox. —New Yorker, 1986.
3. The Like I said Exception
Substitutes for as in “fixed, somewhat jocular, phrases of saying and telling . . . .”
Like you say, you’re a dead woman. —M. Wesley, 1983.
4. To Make Comparisons
Used in the same way as “in the manner (that)” or “in the way (that).”
How was I to know she’d turn out like she did? —C. Burns, 1985.
As a budding grammarian, you should know of this battle. At Bubba’s you can easily get away with like as a conjunction. But in formal settings—the faculty lounge, scholarly writing (and talking), your master’s thesis—you should use the traditional conjunctions as, as if, and as though. In the words of New Fowler:
It would appear that in many kinds of written and spoken English like as a conjunction is struggling towards acceptable standard or neutral ground. It is not there yet. But the distributional patterns suggest that the long-standing resistance to this omnipresent little word is beginning to crumble. New Fowler, p. 459.
In English texts and everyday communication, the word “like” serves a variety of purposes. It can act as an adjective, a preposition, an adverb, a conjunction, a noun, or a verb.
- Adjective
This word is classified under adjectives if it is used to modify a noun or a pronoun by indicating similarities in qualities or characteristics. For example, in the sentence below:
You’re not talking about like things when you compare football and golf.
The word “like” is used as an adjective that describes the noun “things.”
Definition:
a. having the same or similar qualities
- Example:
- I responded in like manner.
- Preposition
Another common function of the word “like” is as a preposition that also means “for example” or “similar to.” In the sample sentence below:
Their house is like a barn.
The word “like” is used as a preposition that indicates that the “house” is similar to a “barn.”
Definition:
a. having the same characteristics or qualities as
- Example:
- There were other suits like mine in the shop.
b. used to draw attention to the nature of an action or event
- Example:
- We apologize for coming over unannounced like this.
c. such as; for example
- Example:
- They discussed books like 1984 and Animal Farm.
- Adverb
The word ”like” can also be categorized as an adverb if it is used to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Take for example, the sentence below:
The distance is more like 750 miles.
In this sentence, the word modifies the adjective “750,” and is therefore considered as an adverb.
Definition:
a. nearly; approximately
- Example:
- It was like 8 feet deep.
b. used in speech as a meaningless filler or to signify the speaker’s uncertainty about an expression just used
- Example:
- There was this funny smell—sort of dusty like.
- Conjunction
There are also some cases wherein the word “like” is used as a conjunction that connects two clauses to form one sentence. For instance, in the sample sentence below:
I hate girls who change boyfriends like they change clothes.
The word “like” serves as a conjunction that links together the clauses “I hate girls who change boyfriends” and “they change clothes.”
Definition:
a. in the same way that; as
- Example:
- They raven down scenery like children do sweetmeats.
b. as though; as if
- Example:
- I felt like I’d been kicked by a horse.
- Noun
Other times, the word “like” is considered as a noun, which refers to something of the same kind. In the example:
Did you ever hear the like?
The word “like” is used as a noun that is used to indicate a thing of the same kind.
Definition:
a. a thing or things of the same kind
- Example:
- We will never see anyone of her like again.
- Verb
The word “like” is also typically used as a verb that indicates a state of being. Take for example, the sentence:
He likes baseball more than anything.
In this sentence, the word suggests the state of being of the pronoun “he,” and is therefore considered as a verb.
Definition:
a. to enjoy (something); to get pleasure from (something)
- Example:
- I like all Dan Brown’s books.
b. wish for; want
- Example:
- Would you like a cup of tea?
The following conversation occurred between two girls from Southern California.
“So, like uhh, what do you want to like, do today?”
“I don’t know, like, its such a beautiful day out, we should, like, go to the beach.”
“That sounds like a good idea, but like, how are we going to get there?”
“Like, uh, let’s call Mike and see if he’ll like give us a ride.”
“Are you sure that’s like, a good idea? Like didn’t you two just like break up?”
“Well, I mean, like, the last time we talked he was like, “I think we should see other people,” and then I was like, “But Mike, I like really like you.”
“Like oh my god, and then like what did he say next?”
“He was like, “I like you too, but I just can’t be with someone who says ‘like’ so much.”
The word like has become increasingly popular in spoken English in recent years, and has quickly become one of the most used words in conversation. Its uses are many, and it can be used to: stall for time; report speech; soften what you say; approximate; complain; and reinforce. Like is an important word to study because of how often you will hear it used in conversation. Learning how to use it properly will go a long way towards making you sounds more like a native speaker.
Before we go further, I need to put up a disclaimer around the usage of the word like. When used in moderation the word like can be a powerful linguistic tool; use it too much and you risk sounding like a teenage girl. People who over use the word like are perceived as less intelligent and articulate than people who avoid using it. My advice to you is to only incorporate usage of the word like in 1 or 2 of the following ways, but not all of them.
What you already know
You are already familiar with two definitions of the word like. You know that ‘to like’ means ‘to enjoy.” For example:
“I like to eat pão de queijo.”
“Peter likes making pizza.”
If something is like something else, it is similar to it. For example:
“Written Spanish is kind of like Portuguese.”
“Australian English is not like New Zealand English.”
“I’m thinking about what to say”
When you are thinking about what to say and want to fill the air with something, like is the word that you use. In this case, like is very similar to tipo in Portuguese. If you stay silent for too long someone may interrupt you; to avoid this keep saying “like…uhh….like…uhh” until you remember what you were going to say. Here are some examples:
“Do you think you and Janet are going to get married?”
“I don’t know… like… I want to, but then again, I’m kind of scared, you know?”
“What did you do last week?”
“I like… don’t remember!”
From the conversation at the beginning:
“So, like uhh, what do you want to like, do today?”
To report speech or thought
When telling a story to your friends, saying “he said” and “I said” can get pretty repetitive, so sometimes you can change things up by using like. “I was like” can be used in the place of “I said”; “he was like” in the place of “he said. Some teenage girls have completely lost the ability to say “I/you/he/she said” and only use like. To be clear, it’s acceptable to use “he was like” without seeming like a teenage girl, but just don’t let it entirely replace your use of the word “said.”
When “I was like” is used it doesn’t necessarily mean that you said something; it can also be used to designate that you thought something. So in this case “I was like” takes the place of “I thought to myself.” This is also commonly used during story telling.
“You broke up with her? Wow. How did she take it?”
“She was like “What! After all I’ve done for you?”
“And then the teacher was like ‘We have a surprise test today,’ and I was like ‘Shit, I didn’t study at all.’”
In the example from the beginning:
“Well, I mean, like, the last time we talked he was like, “I think we should see other people,” and then I was like, “But Mike, I like really like you.”
To reduce conviction, certainty or force
Like can be used if you aren’t entirely sure about what you are saying and you want to convey your uncertainty. When used like this, like should be before a number, time or quantity.
“Do you exercise a lot?”
“I, like, enjoy working out, but not, like, all the time or anything.”
“What time will you be at the party?”
“I’ll be there at like, 5 or 6.”
In the above conversation it was used like this:
“…we should, like, go to the beach.”
Like can also be used to lessen the force of what you are demanding or requesting of someone.
“Could you do it, like, tomorrow?”
“Oh sure. No problem.”
“Can you like, shut up?”
Like meaning “approximately”
Do you have a hard time pronouncing the word “approximately?” Just start using like instead. Like can be used to show that you are uncertain of a quantity that you are giving to someone. For example:
“Entrance to that bar should be like, ten bucks.”
“He’s like, ten or eleven years old, I think.”
Like Meaning “for example”
In almost all cases the word like can be used to replace ‘for example’. When used this way it should be before a noun or noun phrase. So like:
“Have you been to any Asian countries, like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or North Korea?”
“Do you have any hobbies, like stamp collecting or photography?”
To reinforce
The last use of like is to add reinforcement to something that you are saying. I don’t recommend using like in this way, but I feel like I should add it in here for the sake of completeness.
“Did you see that girl?”
“Yeah, she’s like, so hot.”
“How was Hawaii?”
“Oh, it was like, perfect!”
In the conversation from the beginning it was used like this:
“…like, its such a beautiful day out…”
So like, that’s it. I hope you’ve learned a few new uses for the word like today. If you have any questions about their usage please leave a comment below.
Have you ever heard someone use like in one of the ways described here? Leave your answer in the comments below.
The word «like» is perfectly OK, but your use of it in the example sentence is wrong. It should be «as» [[because the clause «Like in Eq. (2)» modifies the verb phrase «will substitute» and thus functions as an adverb. «Like» produces adjective phrases and would be correct if you were modifying a noun.]] For example, it would be correct to write «This simplification is like the one in Eq. (2).»
EDIT: What I wrote about the example sentences is right, but the reason I gave, now in brackets [[…]] above, is wrong. In particular, a «like» phrase can function as an adverb; «he sings like Caruso» is correct. The difference between «like» and «as» (when they express similarity — both words have several other meanings) is that «like» is a preposition and «as» is a conjunction. So «like» should form a phrase with a noun, e.g., «like the one in Eq. (2)», and «like Caruso». «As» should be followed by a whole clause, like a sentence, but much of that clause is often omitted. Thus, for example, «As in equation (2), we will substitute …» is an elliptical form of «As we did in equation (2), we will substitute …».
Do you ever wonder when to properly use “as” and when to use “like?” They sound similar, but they have different meanings. And often, they get lost in translation when moving from speech to formal writing. I’ve seen it happen so many times, especially with new writers. In my guide, I’ll discuss the difference between these two words and give some examples so you can learn to use them properly.
As vs. Like
In English grammar and more formal writing, the word “like” is almost often employed as a preposition to explain how, where, or when the action described by the noun in the phrase is taking place. The basic grammar rule is that the word “as” is a conjunction that joins two clauses together.
When to Use As
The best way to remember the proper usage in sentences for “as” is to think about whether or not you’re trying to join two clauses in the English language.
Examples:
- You’re as pretty as I remember.
- You don’t have to cook much food as I won’t be joining you for dinner.
When to Use Like
“Like” is used to compare two things, but is usually followed by a noun or a pronoun.
Examples with a direct comparison:
- These lights are bright, like the sun.
- I want to go on a safari, but I’m scared of animals like lions and tigers.
- This new ice cream is like the old one but sweeter.
When to Use Like Instead of As
We often use “like” to compare two things or two people.
For example:
- You look just like my sister.
- This new bar is like the one on 5th Avenue.
In this situation, it would be wrong to use “as.” The sentences would sound something like this:
- You look just as my sister.
- This new bar is as the one on 5th Avenue.
The last two sentences are very clearly incorrect.
When to Use As Instead of Like
We use “as” in sentences where it could be replaced with “the way.”
For example:
- You treated him as you should.
- You treated him the way you should.
Like and As a Metaphor
The words “like” and “as” are common figures of speech used to describe similarities between two different things. These seemingly innocuous words can have a powerful impact, lending depth and nuance to our writing.
For example, when taken literally, the phrase “as fast as lightning” suggests lightning moves at a certain speed. But by using these words as metaphors, we can get at a more abstract idea – that lightning moves quickly and without warning.
Similarly, comparing an angry person to a raging storm adds emotional intensity to our writing and conveys the sense that their anger is uncontrolled and chaotic.
Thus, we can see that “like” and “as” are much more than simple connectors; they are valuable tools for evoking vivid imagery in our writing and giving it greater emotional power. In short, these small words have immense expressive potential, making them an invaluable part of any writer’s toolbox.
Should I Use Like or As If?
You want to use “like” before a noun or a pronoun. “As” or “as if” are usually followed by a subject and a verb.
Let’s look at some examples:
- I love the new Givenchy perfume. It smells like cotton candy.
- She keeps repeating the same things as if I don’t know them already.
What Does Not Use Like or As?
Avoid using “like” or “as” when talking or writing in metaphors.
A metaphor is a literary device often used to express ideas or experiences in vivid and memorable ways. Specifically, it describes one thing by referring to another similar thing, using language suggesting the two things are connected in some way.
For example, if you wanted to say that someone was “strong as an ox,” you would use a metaphor to describe their physical strength by drawing an analogy with the legendary strength of this animal.
Metaphors can be used greatly in poetry and other forms of literature, allowing writers to create vivid imagery and use colorful language to engage readers and better convey their message.
Here are some metaphors that don’t use the words “like” or “as”:
- You have the memory of an elephant.
- I’m an early bird.
In the first example, we want to say someone has a really good memory, but we don’t use a simile and say, “you have good memory like an elephant.”
A metaphor is a word or statement saying one thing IS like another thing.
Can We Use As and Like Together?
There are always exceptions when breaking grammar rules, but you can’t use “like” and “as” together. But one can replace the other to convey the same thought if you change the structure of a sentence.
Let’s exemplify:
- You smell as good as a rose does.
- You smell good, like a rose.
Notice how these sentences express the same thought, but we had to change their structure depending on whether we used “like” or “as.”
Like vs. As – Simple Rules to Know
While seemingly similar, “as” and “like” have two different meanings.
Here are some basic rules to keep in mind:
- Use like when comparing two people or things.
- Use like when comparing behavior or appearance.
- Use as in formal speech and writing.
Other Uses of the Word As
There are other instances where the word “as” can fit into speech and writing.
As a Connecting Word
“As” can be used to connect two ideas or sentences. For instance:
- Everything happened as you said it would.
- Leave the table as it is. I’ll clean it up later.
When Talking About a Job or Function
“As” is also employed when discussing a job or a function. For example:
- As president, his main focus was to create more jobs and decrease unemployment.
- As CEO, you are responsible for ensuring people are happy with their jobs.
When Paired with an Adjective
You can also use “as” paired with an adjective. Here are some examples:
- You are as beautiful as I imagined.
- As entertaining as this is, I have to get going.
Other Uses of the Word Like
The word “like” also has more than one use, so let’s look at other situations where you might encounter it.
When Giving Examples
A common use for the word “like” is when giving examples. Here is how to use it:
- Chamomile tea can be bitter, but you can sweeten it with something like sugar or honey.
- Why can’t you be more like your sister?
As a Preposition
When using “like” as a preposition, it’s usually followed by a noun. For example:
- I am nothing like my sister.
- You smell like roses.
As a Verb
Perhaps the most common use for the word “like” is in its verb form. For instance:
- Would they like to join us for dinner?
- I like strawberries best out of all fruits.
The Bottom Line
Once you consistently look at examples, knowing when to use “as” and “like” becomes pretty natural. “As” is commonly employed when joining two clauses, while “like” is used as a preposition with a noun or a pronoun. Now, practice what I taught you with my handy worksheet!
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If you can’t stop saying the word “like,” you’re not alone. Unfortunately, overusing that word can cause your friends and coworkers to make unfair assumptions about your education or intelligence levels. Thankfully, there are some solid ways you can stop saying the word “like” to sound smarter and keep your audience engaged for longer. Read through these tricks to change the way you speak for the better.
-
Pair the word with an action so you can catch it faster. If you’re talking and you say “like,” quickly tap yourself on the thigh or pinch yourself on the wrist. The more you notice it, the more you can break the habit.[1]
- Keep the movement small so that it doesn’t distract you from what you’re saying.
- You can also pull on a hair tie around your wrist or flick yourself in the leg.
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Try to count the number of times you say “like” in 1 minute. Then, record yourself again, and try super hard not to say the word “like” at all. Try doing this a couple of times per day until you get into the habit of checking yourself on your own.[2]
- You can also download an app like LikeSo to automatically count the number of times you say “like” for you.
-
Think about what you say before you say it. If you’re talking quickly or you’re in a fast-paced conversation, you might be thinking about what to say next instead of what’s coming out of your mouth. Try to really slow down and contemplate every sentence before you say it to avoid saying “like.”[3]
- If you hear yourself say the word “like,” that’s okay! Just make a note of it and try not to say it again in the same conversation.
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Do this instead of saying “like” in between phrases. When you say a sentence and you come to a moment when you’d normally say “like,” just stop. Take a deep breath and let the silence fill the space in your sentence.[4]
- This can also help you avoid other filler words like “um” or “ah.”
-
You can use “roughly,” “approximately,” and “around.” These words are helpful in sentences where you’re trying to convey an approximate amount, like money spent or time wasted. Make your sentences sound more specific by saying things:[5]
- “We spent around $500 at the mall today.”
- “I wasted roughly 30 minutes driving back and forth.”
- “We’ve used approximately 60% of our inventory.”
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You could also use “yelled,” “whispered,” or “shouted.” Saying “like” before a quote is a super common way this word gets misused, and it’s probably where you’ll hear yourself using it the most. Instead, try getting super specific with your descriptor.[6]
- Instead of saying, “I was like, ‘no way!’” say, “I thought to myself, ‘no way!’”
- Instead of saying, “He was like, ‘I’m not interested.’” say, “He said, ‘I’m not interested.’”
-
You don’t need the word “like” to emphasize your point. By omitting the word “like,” you can actually strengthen your sentences and speech. Stick to words like “very” or “incredibly” to make your sentence stronger.[7]
- For example, instead of saying, “He was, like, so angry,” say, “He was very angry.”
- Instead of saying, «The sky was, like, so blue,» say, «The sky was a deep blue color.»
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The more words you know, the easier time you’ll have. Try reading new books, playing word games like Scrabble, or keeping a thesaurus handy to look up synonyms. If you can think of something else to say besides “like,” you’re already halfway there! You could try phrases such as “for example,” “nearly,” or “about.”[8]
- You can also download apps like Word of the Day to get new words sent directly to you.
-
Use it when you’re expressing enjoyment or comparing 2 things. You could say “I really like chocolate” or “He acts like his father.” If you keep the definition in mind, you can tell when you’re using “like” the right way and when you’re using it as a filler word.[9]
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“Um,” “ah,” and “er” can also get repetitive. As you cut down on your use of the word “like,” be careful you’re not replacing it with something else! When in doubt, just don’t say anything.[10]
- You might also find yourself saying “you know,” “well,” and “okay.”
Add New Question
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Question
My friend is almost addicted to saying «like.» He will say it in every sentence. How can I tell him and help him without sounding rude?
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
You could pretend that you’re working on cutting down the number of times you say «like» yourself. Have him record you and count how many times you say it in 1 minute. Then, ask him if he wants to try, and record him next. You can gently point out how many times he’s saying it without being mean or talking down to him.
-
Question
What other words can I use for like? I have to many «likes» in my paragraph.
You can use «similar to» in the sense of «The noodles were like rubber.» When using the word «like» to express approval, as in «I like pie,» you can say «I enjoy pie» or «I love pie» or «Pie is awesome.» If you’re using the word «like» as a filler word, the way this article is talking about, just remove it entirely.
-
Question
What form of speech is «like» considered?
As a term of enjoyment, like is used as a verb, or an action word. When saying it as a term of similarity of comparison, it is a preposition.
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Last updated:
July 26, 2022
15+ Quick English Filler Words You’ll Thank Yourself for Learning
“English is like, totally fun to learn, you know?”
If you take out the words “like,” “totally” and “you know” from that sentence, you’re left with a perfectly understandable sentence: English is fun to learn.
Those words like “totally” and phrases like “you know” are called filler words, and you’ll hear them sometimes in casual English conversations.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of 15+ English filler words which will make you sound like a native speaker.
Contents
- What Are Filler Words?
- When Are Filler Words Used in English?
- Why Should You Learn English Filler Words?
- Use Filler Words in Moderation
- 15+ Common English Filler Words You Should Know
-
- 1. Well
- 2. Um/er/uh
- 3. Hmm
- 4. Like
- 5. Actually/Basically/Seriously
- 6. You see
- 7. You know
- 8. I mean
- 9. You know what I mean?
- 10. At the end of the day
- 11. Believe me
- 12. I guess/I suppose
- 13. Or something
- 14. Okay/so
- 15. Right/mhm/uh huh
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What Are Filler Words?
Filler words are words (and phrases) that are used to fill silence when you’re speaking. They’re words that don’t add any real value to the sentence. They simply keep you going while you come up with the rest of your sentence.
Their actual name is “discourse markers,” but they’re much more commonly known as “filler words.”
You might already use filler words without realizing it. When you can’t think of the right word to use in a sentence, you might say “umm.” This gives you a break while you think, without an awkward, silent pause.
Since filler words don’t really add any meaning to the sentence, you don’t need to think about using them. This leaves your brain free to think of other things—like the word you’re trying to remember.
Many filler words actually have other meanings, so not every “like,” for example, is a filler word. We can see a real example of this in the following conversation from the show “Community,” when Pierce tries to stop Shirley from using filler words:
Shirley: Okay. These brownies are, uh—
Pierce: Uh!
Shirley: They, um—
Pierce: Um!
Shirley: These brownies are delicious. They taste like–
Pierce: Like!
Shirley: That’s not a filler word.
One way to finish Shirley’s sentence would be, “They taste like heaven.” In this example, “like” is used to compare brownies to heaven, so it’s not a filler word in this context.
Another example of fillers being used can be seen in this clip of Jason Schwartzman talking to Conan O’Brien on FluentU.
If you hover over the word “like” in that clip (or any other time Jason uses it in the same way, which is often), you’ll see that in this case it’s being used as a filler word. Click on it and the video will pause, showing you a flashcard with example sentences, audio and a definition that all show you the word as a filler.
Plus, you can watch clips from other videos on FluentU where the word is used the same way. Click the arrows to the left or right to move between video examples.
You can find many more filler words and other real, non-textbook English on FluentU, as well as its iOS and Android apps. That’s because the program uses authentic (real, natural) videos of native English, like movie trailers, news segments, interviews, music videos, funny vlogs, commercials and much more.
When Are Filler Words Used in English?
You only need to use filler words when you’re speaking out loud. Generally you won’t use fillers when you’re writing. When you’re speaking out loud, though, you might need some extra time to figure out what to say. That’s when you can use filler words.
Sometimes people use certain filler words (“like,” “literally” or “believe me”) when they’re writing online in website comments, chats or social media. This is fine too, since conversations online are very similar to spoken conversations.
Filler words are used for a number of reasons:
- To show that you’re thinking. Use filler words when you need to think about your answer or statement. For example:
“I have basically… ten more years of college.”
- To make a statement less harsh. When your friend has some broccoli stuck between his teeth, you could just tell him, “You have something in your teeth,” but that might make him embarrassed. It might be nicer to say something more like:
“Well, you have, um, you have a little something in your teeth.”
- To make your statement weaker or stronger. While filler words don’t add anything to sentences, they can be used to change the sentence tone—the attitude of the sentence. See how different these three statements sound:
“I think pugs are cute” is just a regular statement.
“Actually, I think pugs are cute” shows contrast—that someone else doesn’t agree.
“At the end of the day, I think pugs are cute” is something you might say as a conclusion to a discussion about pugs and their ugly (or cute!) wrinkles.
- To stall for time. To stall for time means to do something to try and gain more time. Filler words are an excellent way to stall when you don’t know how to answer a question, or when you don’t want to. For example, if your teacher asks you “Where’s your homework?,” your response might sound a bit like this:
“Uhh. Umm. Well, you see.. My dog ate it.”
- To include the listener in the conversation without ending your sentence. A conversation takes at least two people. Some filler words and phrases can include the other person in the conversation. It’s a bit like reaching out to them as you’re speaking to keep their attention. For example:
“It was a really big bear, you know?”
This sentence includes the listener without ending your speaking turn. Your listener might nod in agreement, allowing you to continue telling him about your pet bear.
Even if you’re just starting to learn English, filler words can make you sound more like an advanced English learner. As you can see, filler words seem useless at first, but they can be really important!
When you think of someone as being a fluent English speaker, you probably think they speak perfectly without stopping. In reality, even native English speakers use filler words, and they use them often. These words are an important part of sounding natural when you speak English.
You’re allowed to pause and think, to be unsure of how to answer, or even to forget the right word to use. The trick is knowing the right filler words to use while you put your thoughts together.
Every language has its own set of filler words. Learning English filler words will help you sound more like a native speaker.
Use Filler Words in Moderation
Like with anything else, you could use filler words too much. Overusing filler words (using too many, too often) can make you sound unprofessional. Even worse, it can make it difficult to follow your sentences. So do use filler words when you speak, but don’t use them too much.
Some people think all filler words are bad, and should be used as little as possible. For an English learner, though, they can be a very helpful way to speak more fluently and confidently. Still, it’s a good idea to use as few filler words as possible in interviews and professional settings.
If you find yourself using too many filler words when you speak, it might be time to either study some more vocabulary or slow down your speech.
With all that in mind, here are some of the most common filler words and phrases used in American English:
15+ Common English Filler Words You Should Know
1. Well
“Well” can be used in a few different ways. You can use it to show that you’re thinking.
“Well, I guess $20 is a good price for a pair of jeans.”
You can also use it to put a pause in a sentence.
“The apples and cinnamon go together like, well, apples and cinnamon.”
You can even use the word to stall.
“Well… fine, you can borrow my car.”
2. Um/er/uh
“Um,” “er” and “uh” are mostly used for hesitation, such as when you don’t know the answer or don’t want to answer.
“Um, er, I uh thought the project was due tomorrow, not today.”
You can use any of the words at any time—they don’t all have to go together.
“Umm… I like the yellow dress better!”
3. Hmm
“Hmm” is a thoughtful sound, and it shows that you’re thinking or trying to decide something.
“Hmm, I like the pink bag but I think I’ll buy the black one instead.”
4. Like
“Like” is sometimes used to mean something is not exact.
“My neighbor has like ten dogs.”
In the above example, the neighbor probably doesn’t have exactly ten dogs. Rather, the neighbor has a lot of dogs.
Usually, though, the word is used when you need a moment to figure out the next word to use.
“My friend was like, completely ready to like kick me out of the car if I didn’t stop using the word ‘like’.”
Keep in mind that the word “like” as a filler is seen as a negative thing. The word is often overused by young females, and can make you sound like you’re not sure what you’re talking about.
5. Actually/Basically/Seriously
“Actually,” “basically” and “seriously” are all adverbs—words that describe actions. Many adverbs (though not all of them) have an “-ly” at the end of the word, which makes it easier to recognize them. All these words can be used as fillers which change the strength of a statement.
For example, the word “actually” is used to point out something you think is true, when others might not agree:
“Actually, pugs are really cute!”
“Basically” and “seriously” change the sentence in slightly different ways too. “Basically” is used when you’re summarizing something, and “seriously” is used to show how strongly you take the statement.
“Basically, the last Batman movie was seriously exciting!”
Other adverbs that are often used as fillers are “totally,” “literally” and “clearly.”
- The word “literally” means “something that is true,” but many times in conversation it’s used with a different meaning: to state strong feelings. For example, you’re not just laughing you’re literally dying from laughter.
- “Totally” means “completely,” and is used to emphasize (show that you feel strongly) about something.
- The word “clearly” means the same as obviously, and is used to state something that is very obviously true.
These three words don’t have to be used together either, but here they are in one sentence:
“Clearly you totally didn’t see me, even though I was literally in front of your face.”
6. You see
“You see” is used to share a fact that you assume the listener doesn’t know.
“I was going to try the app, but you see, I ran out of space on my phone.”
7. You know
“You know” is used to share something that you assume the listener already knows.
“We stayed at that hotel, you know, the one down the street from Times Square.”
It can also be used instead of an explanation, in cases where we feel the listener just understands what you mean.
“When the elevator went down, I got that weird feeling in my ears, you know?”
8. I mean
“I mean” is used to clarify or emphasize how you feel about something.
“I mean, he’s a great guy, I’m just not sure if he’s a good doctor.”
It’s also used to make corrections when you misspeak.
“The duck and the tiger were awesome but scary. I mean, the tiger was scary, not the duck.”
“The cave is two thousand—I mean—twenty thousand years old!”
9. You know what I mean?
“You know what I mean?” is used to make sure the listener is following what you’re saying.
“I really like that girl, you know what I mean?”
10. At the end of the day
“At the end of the day” is a phrase that means “in the end” or “in conclusion.”
“At the end of the day, we’re all just humans, and we all make mistakes.”
11. Believe me
“Believe me” is a way of asking your listener to trust what you’re saying.
“Believe me, I didn’t want this tiny house, but it was the only one I could afford.”
It’s also used to emphasize what you’re about to say.
“Believe me, this is the cheapest, tiniest house ever!”
12. I guess/I suppose
“I guess” and “I suppose” are used to show that you’re hesitant, or not really sure about what you’re saying.
“I was going to eat dinner at home, but I guess I can go eat at a restaurant instead.”
“I guess” is used more often in speech, but “I suppose” can sound classier (a bit smarter).
13. Or something
“Or something” is a sentence ending that means you’re not being exact.
“The cake uses two sticks of butter and ten eggs, or something like that.”
14. Okay/so
“Okay” and “so” are usually used to start sentences, and can be a sign that a new topic is starting.
“So what are you doing next weekend?”
They can also be used to introduce a summary.
“Okay, so we’re going to need to buy supplies for our trip this weekend.”
15. Right/mhm/uh huh
“Right,” “mhm” and “uh huh” are all affirmative responses—they all mean a “yes” response.
“Right, so let’s prepare a list of all the things we’ll need.”
“Uh huh, that’s exactly what he told me too.”
Right, so you should be an expert on filler words by now! Some of these words and phrases can be hard to use correctly, since the meaning is so flexible.
So now you may be wondering: how can I practice using filler words?
To get a deeper sense of how to use these, you should watch English videos. In general, videos made for English speakers are helpful in showing “real” speech. Plus, with videos, you get to see and hear how filler words work in different sentences in different situations.
Movies and TV shows are two great examples. If you have any favorite English shows, watch them again but this time, really pay attention to how the characters talk. See how many filler words you can hear!
Filler words can require a lot of subtlety, but master them and you will be sounding like a native speaker in literally no time.
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Why are connectors, or linking words Important?
In IELTS, there are lots of ways to go wrong! Using very short sentences in speaking or writing can fail to convey the meaning accurately, while long and complex sentences can leave your reader or listener confused, and you may end up with a poor band score. So how do we frame sentences to score Band 7 and above?
Linking words, also known as discourse markers, connecting words, or transition words, are particular words and phrases you can use to connect your ideas and sentences while writing or speaking. You can use linking words for giving examples, adding information, summarising, giving a reason, and contrasting ideas. Linkers can also help candidates put forth their opinion comprehensively and display a greater knowledge and variety of vocabulary.
We will focus here on the importance and correct use of linking words for IELTS. We will also give you examples of linking words that you can use while speaking and specific linking words for IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2.
In short:
- They make the paragraph clear
- They provide cohesion to the written piece
- Help in illustrating how the parts or clauses of a text are connected
- They add more information to a point.
- Help in expressing opinion or purpose
- They help in constructing a suitable conclusion
- Linking words are excellent grammatical and stylistic tools that make your writing or speech clear and keep it fluent and cohesive.
The significant difference between linkers in the speaking and the writing task is that the writing linkers are more formal.
Similarly, in the Writing Task, 25% of marks are given for coherence and cohesion. You will be assessed on your range, accuracy, and flexibility of using linking words in various contexts throughout your report and essay.
Though there is a wide range of linking words to choose from, you must not go overboard with these words and try to use them in moderation. Therefore, in our next section, we will tell you how to use connecting words for IELTS.
How To Correctly Use Connecting Words For IELTS
It is essential to know that linking words, also known as connecting words, cannot be used everywhere. Also, the usage of linking words for IELTS speaking is quite different from IELTS writing linking words. For e.g., you can use the linker ‘like’ in the speaking test, but words like therefore, hereby, and notwithstanding work better in writing. In most cases, linking words are used as conjunctions followed by a comma. Remember that the linking words should come naturally to you while speaking and not give the examiner an impression that you have plugged them intentionally. Some of the key factors to remember while using the linking words for IELTS are:
- Avoid overuse – This is perhaps one of the most common mistakes students make, using linkers for IELTS in every sentence. Though the grammar may be correct, using such words excessively will make you sound robotic. Therefore, the first suggestion is to avoid using these words if you don’t need them.
- Use them accurately – As already mentioned, there are hundreds of options to choose from. Therefore, you must connect your ideas using the right words or phrases.
- Have variety – There may be a particular linker that you frequently use in your writing or speech. Even if it fits perfectly in every context, it will not fetch you higher marks. Therefore, get in the habit of using a variety of linkers for IELTS. The more you highlight practice and test, the better you will get at using connecting words.
- Replace ‘ahhs’ and ‘umms’ with linkers – Using ‘Ummm or ‘aaa’ in your speaking test will signal that you are not fluent in English. If you do not want to lose out on your score, try using linkers when you are stuck in the middle of your speech.
Linking Words For the IELTS Speaking Task
When you use linking words for IELTS speaking test, as well as making your shorter answers sound more polished, they can help you continue in the Speaking Cue Card Task until the examiner asks you to stop. It will demonstrate your vocabulary range and buy you more time to think and continue speaking for 2 minutes. Using the right amount of linkers words in the IELTS speaking test can help you score 25% marks for cohesion and fluency.
In the IELTS speaking section, you will be answering some questions about yourself and given a task card to speak on a topic. The linkers for IELTS speaking section have two roles. Firstly, they will provide a direction for your thoughts. For e.g., words like ‘although’ or ‘on the other hand’ will signal the listener that you will now be giving an opposite view for a statement.
Secondly, linking words will give you time to think while bridging ideas for the second part of the speaking section – the speaking cue card.
Simple Connectors to use in most questions:
- and
- or
- but
Complex Connectors:
1. Adding More Information
- Another reason is
- Also
- And
- As well as
2. Time Phrases
If you need to describe ‘time’ in your speaking task, you can use any of the following linkers.
- At the moment
- At present
- Now
- These days
- Nowadays
- Before
- Back in the day
- Years ago
- At that time
- Then
- When I was little
3. Causes And Solutions
- Because
- I suppose the best way to deal with this problem is
- The main reason is
- It was caused by
- One way to solve this could be
4. Expressing Ideas / stating an opinion
- I think one important thing is
- I suppose the main difference is
- In my view, the key point is
- I believe that
5. Giving Examples
- For instance
- Like
- For example
- Such as
6. Contrasting/Opposite
- But
- While
- On the other hand
- Although
- Or
7. To Agree or Express Disagreement
- I couldn’t disagree more
- I can’t agree with that
- I quite agree that
- Well, exactly
8. Signpost Words
Signposting words and phrases will help guide the examiner through the information, especially for longer answers.
- To begin with
- However
- Unfortunately
- Similarly
- Nonetheless
- Fundamentally
- Incidentally
- Furthermore
Linking Words For IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
In Academic Writing Task 1, you analyse and report the data given in the tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and make comparisons. You need to demonstrate solid paragraphing and essay skills, for which you will need IELTS writing linking words.
Here are a few examples to help you in IELTS Academic Writing task 1
Starting a paragraph
- According to the graph/figures
- Overall, it is clear that
- It can be seen that
- It is noticeable that
- In contrast, ________ does not follow this trend.
Linking Words That Will Help You To Connect Your Ideas:
1. Contrast Words
- In contrast
- However
- whereas/while
- On the other hand
2. Linking Phrases
- In addition
- Furthermore
- Overall, it could be seen that
- According to the data
- It is clear that
3. Time Expressions
- in the year 2000
- at the end/beginning of the period
- over/throughout/during the period in question
- by 2000
- between 1998 and 2000
4. The Last Paragraph
- To conclude
- To sum up
5. Describing A Process
- After this,
- Next,
- The first step is that
- Following this
- Firstly, Secondly, Finally
- The following step is that
- The next step is that
- At the first stage
6. Describing A Map
- It is clear that the principal change was
- According to the map,
- One more striking change is
- Another notable development was
Writing Task 2 for Academic and General IELTS requires students to write a formal essay. The 5 categories of essays include
- Agree/Disagree
- Discussion
- Problem-Solution
- Advantage/Disadvantage
- Two-part question.
Linking words for IELTS gives structure to your ideas. They will also help you to introduce and articulate your thoughts in ways that support your argument, which will form the basis of your discursive essay.
Some examples of linking words for IELTS Writing Task 2.
1. Listing
- Firstly, secondly, thirdly
- First, furthermore, finally
- To begin, to conclude
- Next
2. Adding more information
- Also
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- What is more
3. Similarity
- Equally
- Likewise
- Similarly
4. Giving examples
- For example
- For instance
- As follows:
- That is
5. Cause and consequence
- Because of
- Due to
- On account of
- Hence
- For this/that reason
- So that
- In that case
6. Generalizing
- In general
- Generally
- On the whole
- As a rule
7. Expressing An Alternative/contrast
-
Alternatively
- Rather
- On the other hand
- The alternative is
- Another possibility would be
- However
- Nevertheless
- In spite of
- Despite
8. Conclusion
- In conclusion
- To conclude
- In brief
- To summarise
- Overall
- Therefore
Final Tips
- Avoid using formal linking words when speaking about yourself in the IELTS Speaking Test.
- Do not use the linking word ‘like’ in the writing tasks. You should only use it (occasionally!) in your speaking test to give examples.
- You will not get high scores for using a range of linking words if they do not fit the context so make sure you don’t use speaking linkers in writing task 1 or 2.
- Don’t worry too much about repeating some linking words while speaking. However, this will not be the case in the writing task. For the writing task, you need to show your proficiency in using different formal linking words.
- As mentioned earlier, connecting words for IELTS should fall in place naturally during your speaking test.
- In short, the more you practice speaking and writing, the more natural you will sound and the higher you will score.