- Non-lexical filler sounds used during speech pauses.
- They indicate hesitation, thinking, searching for the right word, or uncertainty.
- Er is notably more common in British English than American English.
Explanation
Origin
- These are natural, near-universal human vocalizations used to fill silence during speech planning.
- They signal to the listener that the speaker intends to continue speaking but needs a moment to formulate their thoughts or find a word.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
- Strategic Silence: A brief, silent pause can sound more confident than a filled pause.
- Placeholder Phrases: Using short phrases to signal thought, e.g., Let me see..., That's an interesting question..., How can I put this....
- Common Informal Fillers: like, you know, I mean, so, well, right. (Note: Overuse of these can also be distracting).
Situational Appropriateness
- A natural part of spontaneous speech in all contexts, informal and formal.
- However, excessive use can negatively impact perception, making a speaker seem unprepared, uncertain, nervous, or lacking fluency.
- Aiming to reduce (but not necessarily eliminate) them is common advice for public speaking or formal presentations.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally understood universally as hesitation markers.
- Non-native speakers might worry excessively about using them (a natural amount is fine) or might overuse them, which can hinder communication clarity.
Examples
- I think we should, uh, turn left at the next intersection.
- The main problem is, um, a lack of funding.
- Could I have, er, the chicken salad, please? (More UK)
Dialogue
Interviewer: What salary are you expecting?
Candidate: Well, based on my experience and the market rate, I was thinking, um... somewhere in the range of $60,000 to $65,000?
Social Media Examples
- (Rarely written unless in transcripts, direct quotes portraying speech, or for humorous effect)
- Quote: He said, 'I, uh, forgot the tickets.'
- Meme: Trying to explain something complex: Me: 'So, basically, um, you know, it's like... uh...'
Response Patterns
- Listeners usually ignore occasional fillers and wait patiently for the speaker to continue.
- If fillers are very frequent or pauses are very long, listeners might become impatient, look confused, or sometimes try to help by suggesting words (though this can be disruptive).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The speaker simply continues their sentence after the filler sound.
- The listener's action is typically just to continue listening.
Conversation Starter
- No. They occur within speech, not as openers.
Intonation
- Typically short, unstressed, and often have a relatively low or neutral pitch.
- They occupy pauses without carrying lexical meaning. uhhhhhh ummmm
Generation Differences
- Um, Uh, and Er are used across all generations.
- The filler like is often perceived as being more common among younger generations, particularly in North America, but its use is widespread.
Regional Variations
- Uh and Um are very common in American English.
- Er and Um are very common in British English (Er being particularly British).
- Other regions have their own patterns but Um and Uh are widely prevalent.