English - Fillers (Social Glue)

Lesson 86 of 139

Learner practicing common English fillers out loud to improve conversation flow.

Goal: Everyday short phrases that keep conversation flowing.

Free English lessons with audio, guided practice, and speaking support.

Quick and friendly! In this lesson we'll practice small spoken phrases that make conversations feel natural. Say them aloud, listen in a short dialogue, then try a few quick exercises.

Level A2: This short lesson focuses on four common English fillers: "Anyway, ___.", "To be honest, ___.", "I guess ___.", and "Let me see, ___." You'll practice how to move a conversation on, soften opinions, give tentative answers, and buy time to think. CEFR-aligned and very practice-friendly.

After this lesson you'll be able to:

  • Recognize and use four common fillers in everyday talk.
  • Practice when to use each filler to sound natural at Level A2.
  • Say each phrase aloud to build speaking confidence.
Two friends deciding plans — learners can hear and copy fillers for social talk.

Ready? Let's go!

When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

Anyway, ___.

continue or return to the main point

Meaning: Use to return to or move the conversation forward.

When to use: Say this when you want to change the subject or bring the talk back to the main point.

Tip: Don't use 'Anyway' only to fill silence; use it when you are shifting or returning to the main point.

Anyway, let's finish the meeting so we can go home.
Use to move the conversation toward an action or decision.
The cake was good. Anyway, what time is the movie?
Use to change the topic smoothly.

To be honest, ___.

Introduce or soften a personal opinion

Meaning: Introduce or soften a personal opinion.

When to use: Start a sentence when you want to be polite and honest about your feelings or view.

To be honest, I prefer tea to coffee.
A gentle way to share a personal opinion.
To be honest, that movie was a bit slow for me.
Use before a personal evaluation to sound polite.

I guess ___.

Soften a statement or give a tentative answer while thinking.

Meaning: Soften a statement; give a tentative or unsure answer.

When to use: Use when you are not completely sure or want to sound less direct.

Tip: Beginners sometimes use 'I guess' for strong facts — remember it shows uncertainty.

I guess we can leave at seven if everyone is ready.
A mild, tentative answer.
I guess she's coming, but I'm not certain.
Shows uncertainty or polite guessing.

Let me see, ___

Pause briefly while organizing thoughts before continuing

Meaning: Pause briefly while you collect your thoughts.

When to use: Use this to buy time before answering or giving details.

Let me see, I think the blue shirt was in the back.
A short pause phrase to organize details.
Let me see, we have three bottles left in the fridge.
Use when you need a moment to remember or count.

2. Conversational Listening Practice

Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.

Two friends choose what to do tonight.

Close-up of a short chat where fillers like 'To be honest' and 'Anyway' move the conversation.

What plan do Anna and David prefer?

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

To be honest, I'm tired of big parties.

Anna says she doesn't enjoy big parties.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

I guess a quiet dinner would be better.

David suggests a quieter option.

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

Anyway, let's pick a place near the park.

Anna moves the conversation toward deciding a location.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

Let me see, there's a new cafe on Maple Street.

David thinks for a moment and suggests a cafe.

3. Guided Practice

Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.

Which phrase is used to move the conversation back to the main point or change the topic?

Which phrase helps you politely introduce a personal opinion?

Which filler shows you're giving a tentative answer or are not sure?

Which phrase is best when you need a moment to remember details?

To be honest, I prefer quiet cafés to loud clubs.

____, I prefer quiet cafés to loud clubs.

I guess maybe six.

How many people will come? ___, maybe six.

Anyway, we should pick one and go.

We've talked a lot about options — ____, we should pick one and go.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice

Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).

Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.

Say this phrase out loud:

Anyway, ___.

continue or return to the main point

Say this phrase out loud:

To be honest, ___.

introduce or soften a personal opinion

Say this phrase out loud:

I guess ___.

soften a statement or give a tentative answer

Say this phrase out loud:

Let me see, ___

pause briefly while organizing thoughts