Avoiding Filler Words

This is a classic B1-B2 "plateau" issue. Students often use "like" or "um" as a bridge because their brains are searching for the next vocabulary word. To fix this, we need to replace the habit with intentional pausing and signposting.

Here is a structured handout you can use in class.

1. Why do we say "Like" so much?

In English, "like" is often used as a filler word. We use it when:

• We are nervous.

• We are thinking of the next word.

• We want to soften a statement.

The Problem: Over-using fillers makes an argument sound "shallow" and less confident. It hides the great ideas you actually have!

2. How to Avoid the "Like" Trap

Strategy A: The Power of the Pause

Instead of saying "I think, like, Paris is, like, beautiful," simply stop talking for one second where the "like" would be.

Silence sounds more professional than "umm" or "like."

Strategy B: Use "Thinking Phrases"

If you need time to think, use a formal phrase instead of a filler. This gives your brain 2–3 seconds to find the right word.

• "That’s an interesting question..."

• "Let me think about that for a moment..."

• "To be more precise..."

Strategy C: The "Transition" Swap

If you use "like" to connect ideas, swap it for a Signpost Word:

• Instead of "like," use "For instance..."

• Instead of "like," use "Such as..."

• Instead of "like," use "Specifically..."

3. Exercises

Exercise A: The "Filler" Clean-up

The following sentences are full of unnecessary fillers. Rewrite them to sound more professional and direct.

1. "I want to, like, travel to Japan because the, like, food is amazing."

2. "The movie was, like, really long and, like, a bit boring at the end."

3. "If we, like, protect the oceans, we can, like, save the fish."

Exercise B: The "Search & Replace"

Replace the "like" in these sentences with one of these formal connectors: Specifically / Such as / For example.

1. I enjoy outdoor hobbies, like hiking and cycling.

2. We need to change our habits. Like, we should use less plastic.

3. The city is expensive. Like, the rent is $2,000 a month!

Answer Key

Exercise A: Clean-up

1. "I want to travel to Japan because the food is amazing."

2. "The movie was very long and a bit boring at the end."

3. "If we protect the oceans, we can save the fish."
   (Note: Removing the fillers makes the sentence shorter but much stronger!)

Exercise B: Search & Replace

1. I enjoy outdoor hobbies, such as hiking and cycling.

2. We need to change our habits. For example, we should use less plastic.

3. The city is expensive. Specifically, the rent is $2,000 a month!

Classroom Activity: The "Bell" Game

To help your students practice this "live," try this:

1. Put students in pairs.

2. Student A must speak for 45 seconds on a simple topic (e.g., "My favorite food").

3. Student B listens. Every time Student A says "like" or "um," Student B gently taps the table.

4. Student A must stop, take a breath, and restart the sentence without the filler.

Would you like me to create a list of "Quick-Fire Topics" (30-second speaking prompts) for this activity?