• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

NativeSpeakerOnline

Learn natural English online

  • LEARNING ENGLISH
    • Confusing words in English
    • English grammar
    • Typical mistakes in English
  • IELTS SPEAKING TIPS
  • IELTS SPEAKING MASTERCLASS
  • CONTACT
IELTS Conversation fillers

IELTS Conversation fillers

May 20, 2013 By Nestor 1 Comment

In the IELTS speaking test, you often need to think about what to say next. But this does not mean that you cannot demonstrate your command of English while you are thinking. When English native speakers do not know what to say, they are not completely silent. They use conversation fillers – words and phrases to fill the space. Here are some examples:

Well,

So,

Let me think.

Hmm, that’s a tough one.

Umm, you know,

I’ve never really thought about that.

That’s a tricky question.

I guess …

I suppose …

 

Examiner:  Who is your favourite family member?

Candidate: Hmm, that’s a tough one. Umm, I would say my older brother.

 


 

Examiner: Is there any other work you would like to do in the future?

Candidate: Hmm…I’ve never really thought about that. Well, I suppose consulting would be interesting.

 


 

Examiner: Are you ever late for appointments?

Candidate: Umm, you know, let me think about that. Hmm, I’m usually quite punctual, so I’d say pretty rarely.

 


 

Examiner: Is water pollution a problem in your country?

Candidate: Hmm…that’s a tricky question. Well, I think it’s becoming a problem.

close

FREE: IELTS Speaking Guidebook

Discover the questions and tasks that you might hear in the IELTS Speaking test, based on past tests and reports by candidates in 2021.

Enter your name and email to get the ebook now.

As a follow up to the IELTS Speaking Guidebook, I’ll email you a 5-day series of useful tips and videos (one tip for each day) to help you prepare for your test. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of the emails.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Opt In Image
FREE: "IELTS Speaking Guidebook"
Don't Get Caught by Unpleasant Surprises!

This FREE eBook Shows You What Kinds of Tasks and Questions to Expect in the IELTS Speaking Test.

Get the Free Book

Filed Under: General tips, IELTS Speaking Tips Tagged With: IELTS speaking test strategies

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Talent says

    July 17, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    This is quality material . keep it up

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • IELTS Speaking Tips
    • General tips
    • Other stuff
    • Tips for Band 6.5
    • Tips for Band 7-9

IELTS Tag cloud

  • Grammar tips
  • IELTS preparation advice
  • IELTS scoring criteria
  • IELTS Speaking test
  • IELTS speaking test strategies
  • IELTS Speaking tip cards
  • Pronunciation
  • Questions from candidates
  • Sample answers
  • Scary situations
  • Speaking test Part 1
  • Speaking test Part 2
  • Speaking test Part 3
  • Test rules and procedure
  • Topical videos
  • Vocabulary tips

Youtube videos

  • Contact
  • Terms of use and privacy policy

Footer

IELTS Speaking Tips on Facebook

Facebook

Copyright © 2025 · NativeSpeakerOnline