📚 Natural English Conversation Fillers 100

🟢 Beginner

The thing is, I have to work this weekend. (The thing is, Actually, Honestly, To be honest)

🔤 thuh THING iz / ai HAV too WORK / this WEEKend

To start, here is my situation: I must do my job from Friday to Sunday

🟢 Beginner

What was the movie like? (What was the movie like, How was the movie, How did you like the movie, What did you think of the movie)

🔤 what wuz thuh MOOvee / like

Tell me your opinion about the film — was it good or bad?

🟡 Intermediate

What do you mean you're not coming? (What do you mean, What are you saying, What exactly do you mean, Hold on — what do you mean)

🔤 what doo yoo MEEN / yur NOT KUMing

I don't understand — explain why you will not arrive or attend

🟢 Beginner

And then what happened? (And then, So then, After that, And after that)

🔤 and THEN / what HAPund

After that moment, what was the next thing that took place?

🟡 Intermediate

As far as I know, he's still single. (As far as I know, As far as I can tell, From what I know, To my knowledge)

🔤 az FAR az ai NOH / heez STILL SINgul

From the information I have, he does not have a girlfriend or boyfriend

🟡 Intermediate

I didn't mean to make you wait. (I didn't mean to, I didn't intend to, I didn't want to, It wasn't my intention to)

🔤 ai DIDn't MEEN too / MAYK yoo WAYT

I did not want to cause you to stay and wait — I'm sorry

🟡 Intermediate

I'm in the mood for something spicy. (I'm in the mood for, I feel like having, I could really go for, I'm craving)

🔤 im in thuh MOOD for / SUMthing SPYsee

Right now, I want to eat food that is hot and has strong flavors

🟢 Beginner

How come you never told me? (How come, Why, How is it that, What's the reason)

🔤 HOW come / yoo NEVur TOHLD mee

Why did you not tell me about this before?

🟡 Intermediate

I'd rather stay home tonight. (I'd rather, I'd prefer to, I would sooner, I'd sooner)

🔤 id RAH-ther / STAY hohm tuhNYT

I prefer to remain in my house instead of going out this evening

🟢 Beginner

I guess I should get going. (I guess, I suppose, I imagine, I'd say)

🔤 ai GES / ai SHUD get GOHing

I think it is time for me to leave now

🟡 Intermediate

I ended up buying both. (I ended up, I wound up, I finally, I eventually)

🔤 ai ENdud UP / BYing BOHTH

Finally, after deciding, I purchased two things instead of one

🟡 Intermediate

It turns out they're closed on Mondays. (It turns out, As it turns out, Turns out, It appears)

🔤 it TURNZ out / thair KLOHZD on MUNdayz

I learned that this place does not open for business on Monday

🟢 Beginner

I'm supposed to meet her at six. (I'm supposed to, I'm meant to, I'm scheduled to, I'm expected to)

🔤 aim suh-POHzd too / MEET her / at SIX

You have made a plan to see a woman at 6 o'clock.

🟡 Intermediate

I was about to text you. (I was about to, I was just about to, I was going to, I was on the verge of)

🔤 ai WUZ / uh-BOWT too / TEXT yoo

I was ready to send you a written message very soon, but I did not yet.

🟢 Beginner

I didn't realize it was so late. (I didn't realize, I hadn't realized, I didn't notice, I wasn't aware)

🔤 ai DID-unt / REE-uh-lyz / it WUZ / so LAYT

I did not know or understand that the time had become so far into the day or night.

🟢 Beginner

That makes sense. You should get some rest. (That makes sense, That explains it, That figures, I see)

🔤 that MAYKS / SENS / yoo SHUD / get sum / REST

That is reasonable and easy to understand. You need to sleep and relax your body.

🟡 Intermediate

I know what you mean. That happens to me too. (I know what you mean, I hear you, I get it, I feel you)

🔤 ai NOH / wut yoo / MEEN / that HUP-enz / too mee / TOO

I understand your idea because I have had the same experience as you.

🟡 Intermediate

You've got a point. Let's just eat at home. (You've got a point, You have a point, Good point, Fair point)

🔤 yoov GOT / uh POYNT / lets JUST / EET at / HOHM

Your idea is good and true. We should eat food in our house instead.

🟢 Beginner

I didn't think of that. Good idea. (I didn't think of that, I hadn't thought of that, That didn't occur to me, Good thinking)

🔤 ai DID-unt / THINK uv / that / GUD eye-DEE-uh

My mind did not consider that thing before. Your plan is smart.

🟡 Intermediate

What makes you say that? (What makes you say that, Why do you say that, What gives you that idea, Why would you think that)

🔤 wut MAYKS / yoo SAY / that

Why do you believe or think something? What reason or information helped you form this idea?

🟢 Beginner

How did your date go? (How did your date go, How was your date, How'd your date go, So how did the date go)

🔤 how DID / yor DAYT / GOH

What was the result or experience of your romantic time spent with someone?

🟡 Intermediate

You never know. It might work out. (You never know, You can never tell, There's no telling, Who knows)

🔤 yoo NEV-er / NOH / it MYTE / WORK owt

Nothing is sure about the future. Things may end well in the end.

🟡 Intermediate

I can't tell if he's joking or not. (I can't tell, I can't figure out, I'm not sure, I have no idea)

🔤 ai KANT / TEL if / heez JOH-king / or NOT

I do not know if he is saying funny things to make people laugh, or if he is serious.

🟢 Beginner

That reminds me, I have to call my mom. (That reminds me, Speaking of which, Oh — that reminds me, Which reminds me)

🔤 that rin-MINDZ / mee / ai HAV / too KAWL / my MOM

Your words made me remember that I need to use a phone to talk with my mother.

🟢 Beginner

Speaking of food, have you tried that new place? (Speaking of, On the topic of, Talking about, While we're on the subject of)

🔤 SPEAKing uhv FOOD / hav yuh TRIED / that NOO PLAYS

When I mention food, have you ever gone to that new restaurant

🟡 Intermediate

Come to think of it, I haven't seen him lately. (Come to think of it, Now that I think about it, Thinking about it, Actually — now that I think of it)

🔤 KUM tuh THINK uhv it / ai HAVent SEEN him / LAYTlee

When I remember to think about it, I have not seen that person in a long time

🟢 Beginner

Now that you mention it, I am a little hungry. (Now that you mention it, Now that I think about it, Come to think of it, Actually — now that you say it)

🔤 NOW that yuh MENshun it / ai AM uh LITul / HUNgree

Since you said that, I realize I want food

🟢 Beginner

By the way, did you get my message? (By the way, Incidentally, Speaking of which, Oh — by the way)

🔤 by thuh WAY / did yuh GET / my MESubij

Something I want to ask you: did you receive what I sent to you

🟡 Intermediate

It sounds like you had a great time. (It sounds like, Sounds like, Seems like, It seems like)

🔤 it SOUNDZ like / yuh HAD uh GRAYT / TIME

From what you said, it appears you enjoyed yourself very much

🟢 Beginner

It seems like it's going to rain. (It seems like, It looks like, Seems like, It appears)

🔤 it SEEMZ like / its GOHing too / RAYN

Water will probably fall from the sky

🟡 Intermediate

I have a feeling this is going to be fun. (I have a feeling, I've got a feeling, Something tells me, I sense)

🔤 ai HAV uh FEEling / this iz GOHing too / bee FUN

I believe this will be enjoyable

🟡 Intermediate

I'd say it's worth the price. (I'd say, I would say, I'd guess, My guess is)

🔤 ud SAY / its WURTH / thuh PRYS

In my opinion, the money you pay is fair for what you get

🟢 Beginner

To be honest, I forgot all about it. (To be honest, Honestly, To tell the truth, Frankly)

🔤 too bee AHnust / ai furGAHT awl / uhBOWT it

I will tell you the truth: I did not remember it

🟡 Intermediate

If you ask me, they make a great couple. (If you ask me, In my opinion, Personally, If you want my opinion)

🔤 if yuh ASK mee / thay MAYK uh / GRAYT KUpul

In my opinion, these two people are very good together

🟢 Beginner

I don't feel like cooking tonight. (I don't feel like, I'm not in the mood for, I don't want to, I'd rather not)

🔤 ai DOHNT feel LIKE / KUKing tuhNYT

I do not want to make food today

🟡 Intermediate

You might want to leave early. Traffic is bad. (You might want to, You should probably, You'd better, It might be a good idea to)

🔤 yuh MYT WANT too / LEEV URlee / TRAFik iz BAD

Perhaps it is a good idea for you to go soon because there are many cars on the road

🟢 Beginner

We might as well order dessert. (We might as well, We may as well, We could just as well, Might as well)

🔤 WE / MYT az WELL / OR-der DEZ-ert

You should do this because there is no good reason not to; it is a good idea to do it now

🟢 Beginner

It's up to you. I'm fine either way. (It's up to you, That's your call, You decide, Whatever you prefer)

🔤 ITS / UP tu YOU / AYM FINE / EE-ther WAY

You can choose what you want; it does not matter to me because both choices are okay for me

🟡 Intermediate

It depends on the weather. (It depends on, That depends on, It's based on, It hinges on)

🔤 IT / dih-PENDZ on / thuh WEH-ther

The result or answer will change based on what the weather will be like

🟢 Beginner

For now, let's just wait. (For now, At the moment, For the time being, In the meantime)

🔤 for NOW / LETS just / WAYT

During this time right now, we should stay and do nothing; we should not take action yet

🟡 Intermediate

I get that, but we already made plans. (I get that, I understand that, I hear you, I know that)

🔤 eye GET / that BUT / we al-RED-ee / MAYD PLANZ

I know what you mean; however, we said before that we would do something together

🟡 Intermediate

I'm not so sure about that. (I'm not so sure, I'm not really sure, I have my doubts, I'm not convinced)

🔤 AYM NOT / so SHUR / uh-BOWT that

I do not believe this is true; I have questions about whether this is correct

🟡 Intermediate

That's not necessarily true. (That's not necessarily, That's not always, That's not exactly, It's not necessarily)

🔤 THATS / not nuh-SES-uh-ruh-lee / TROO

This statement may be true sometimes, but not always; it is not always the case

🟡 Intermediate

I wouldn't go that far. It wasn't that bad. (I wouldn't go that far, I wouldn't say that, I don't know about that, I wouldn't say it's that bad)

🔤 eye / WUD-ent GO / that FAR / it WAZ-ent / that BAD

I think you are saying something too strong or extreme; the problem was not so serious

🟡 Intermediate

In that case, let's go somewhere else. (In that case, If that's the case, Then, In that situation)

🔤 in THAT / KAYS lets / go SUM-where / ELS

If the situation is like that, then let's change what we are doing and try a different place

🟢 Beginner

That works for me. See you at seven. (That works for me, That's fine with me, That's good for me, Sounds good to me)

🔤 THAT / WORKS for / MEE SEE / you at / SEV-en

This plan is good and I agree with it; I will meet you when the clock shows this number

🟡 Intermediate

It's not like we're in a hurry. (It's not like, It isn't like, It's not as if, It's not really like)

🔤 ITS / not LIKE / weer IN / uh HUR-ee

We do not need to move fast or do things quickly; there is no reason to rush

🟢 Beginner

I don't mind waiting a little. (I don't mind, I wouldn't mind, It's fine with me, I'm okay with)

🔤 eye / DONT MYND / WAYT-ing / uh LIT-ul

I am happy to wait for a short amount of time; this is okay for me

🟢 Beginner

I was going to call you after dinner. (I was going to, I was planning to, I meant to, I intended to)

🔤 ai wuz / GO-ing tuh / call yoo / AF-ter DIN-ner

You had a plan to telephone someone at a time after you finished eating the main meal of the day.

🟢 Beginner

I wouldn't mind another cup of coffee. (I wouldn't mind, I could go for, I wouldn't say no to, I'd be happy to have)

🔤 ai WUD-ent MIND / uh-NU-ther KUP / uv KAW-fee

You are saying yes to something you want; you would like to have one more cup of the drink made from roasted beans.

🟢 Beginner

Guess what? I got the job! (Guess what, You'll never guess, Here's some news, Get this)

🔤 guess WUT / ai GOT / thuh JOB

Try to think what I will tell you—I was successful in getting employment.

🟡 Intermediate

You know what? Let's just order pizza. (You know what, Here's an idea, Tell you what, Actually)

🔤 yoo NOH wut / let's JUST / OR-der PEET-suh

I have a suggestion: let's call a restaurant and ask them to bring us that round flat bread with cheese and sauce.

🟢 Beginner

Long time no see! How have you been? (Long time no see, It's been a while, It's been ages, Been a long time)

🔤 LONG TIME / noh SEE / how have yoo BIN

We have not met for a period of months or years. Tell me about your health and life during this time.

🟢 Beginner

What have you been up to lately? (What have you been up to, What have you been doing, What's new with you, What's going on with you)

🔤 wut have yoo bin UP too / LATE-lee

Tell me the things you have been doing in recent days or weeks.

🟢 Beginner

Anyway, how was your day? (Anyway, So anyway, In any case, Anyhow)

🔤 AN-ee-way / how wuz / yer DAY

Let me ask you this: during the hours from morning to night today, what happened to you?

🟢 Beginner

No way! Are you serious? (No way, You're kidding, Really, Seriously)

🔤 noh WAY / are yoo SEER-us

That cannot be true. Do you really mean what you just said?

🟡 Intermediate

Tell me about it. I barely slept last night. (Tell me about it, I know exactly, You're telling me, I hear you)

🔤 tell mee uh-BOWT it / ai BARE-lee / slept last NIGHT

I understand your feeling because I had the same problem: I got very little sleep during the dark hours.

🟡 Intermediate

Same here. I can't stand crowded places. (Same here, Me too, Same for me, I feel the same)

🔤 same HERE / ai CANT / stand CROWD-ed PLAY-suz

My situation is like yours. I do not like places with many people in a small space.

🟡 Intermediate

That's exactly what I was thinking. (That's exactly what I was thinking, That's just what I thought, That's what I was going to say, That's exactly right)

🔤 that's ig-ZAK-tlee / wut ai wuz THINK-ing

Your words match my thought perfectly; you said the thing I had in my mind.

🟡 Intermediate

I couldn't agree more. (I couldn't agree more, I totally agree, You're absolutely right, I agree completely)

🔤 ai KUD-ent uh-GREE / mor

I completely share your opinion; there is no way I could agree with you stronger than this.

🟢 Beginner

You can say that again. (You can say that again, Tell me about it, No kidding, Absolutely)

🔤 yoo can SAY / that uh-GEN

I completely agree with what you just said; I feel exactly the same way

🟡 Intermediate

Is everything okay? You seem a little quiet. (Is everything okay, Are you alright, Is something wrong, Are you okay)

🔤 iz EV-ree-thing / OH-kay? / yoo SEEM / uh LIT-ul KWY-ut

Are things fine with you? You don't seem to be talking as much as usual; something feels different about your mood or behavior

🟡 Intermediate

What's on your mind? (What's on your mind, What are you thinking about, What's bothering you, What's going on in your head)

🔤 WHATS on / yur MYND?

What is making you think hard right now? What problem or idea is using your attention?

🟡 Intermediate

Don't get me wrong, I like it. It's just not my style. (Don't get me wrong, Don't take this the wrong way, Please don't misunderstand, I don't mean it badly)

🔤 DONT get me / RONG, / eye LYK it. / its JUST / not my STYL

I am saying this as a good thing, but this thing does not match what I usually like or prefer

🟡 Intermediate

No offense, but I think you're overthinking this. (No offense, Don't take this personally, With all due respect, I don't mean to offend)

🔤 NOH uh-FEN(S), / but eye THINK / yur OH-ver-THINK-ing / this

I do not want to hurt your feelings, but in my opinion you are thinking about this problem much more than you need to

🟡 Intermediate

To make a long story short, we missed the flight. (To make a long story short, Long story short, In short, To sum it up)

🔤 tuh MAYK / uh LONG STOR-ee / SHORT, / wee MIST / thuh FLYТ

Here is the short answer without all the details: we did not catch the airplane we planned to take

🟡 Intermediate

Believe it or not, we've never actually met. (Believe it or not, Strange as it sounds, Oddly enough, You might not believe this)

🔤 buh-LEEv it / or NOT, / weev NEV-er / AK-choo-uh-lee MET

This might sound strange to you, but the truth is we have never been in the same place together before

🟢 Beginner

As a matter of fact, I was just there yesterday. (As a matter of fact, In fact, Actually, As it happens)

🔤 az uh MAT-er / uh FAKT, / eye wuz JUST / THAIR YES-ter-day

I am telling you something true: I went to that place only one day ago

🔴 Advanced

The funny thing is, he said the same thing about you. (The funny thing is, Funnily enough, The odd thing is, Strangely enough)

🔤 thuh FUN-ee / THING iz, / hee SED / thuh SAYM THING / uh-BOWT yoo

Here is something strange and interesting: that person told me the same words about you that you are saying now

🟢 Beginner

The best part is, it's free. (The best part is, Best of all, What's great is, The great thing is)

🔤 thuh BEST / PART iz, / its FREE

The most good thing about this is that you do not have to pay money for it

🟡 Intermediate

Trust me, you'll love this place. (Trust me, Believe me, Take my word for it, Mark my words)

🔤 TRUST mee, / yool LUV / this PLAYS

I am sure about this: you will enjoy being at this location very much

🟢 Beginner

Take your time. There's no rush. (Take your time, No hurry, There's no need to rush, Go at your own pace)

🔤 TAYK yur / TYM. / THAIRZ NOH / RUSH

Do not go fast; you can move and work at the speed that feels comfortable for you, without pressure

🟢 Beginner

It's no big deal. Don't worry about it. (It's no big deal, It's not a big deal, It doesn't matter, Don't worry about it)

🔤 its NO big DEAL / DONT WURee uh BOWT it

This is not an important problem. Do not feel nervous or stressed about this situation.

🟡 Intermediate

It happens. Don't be so hard on yourself. (It happens, These things happen, That's life, It's okay)

🔤 it HAP-enz / DONT bee so HARD on yur SELF

Bad or wrong things occur to everyone sometimes. Do not blame yourself or feel very sad about your mistake.

🟡 Intermediate

That explains it. I was wondering why. (That explains it, That makes sense, That figures, No wonder)

🔤 that ik-SPLAINZ it / eye wuz WUN-der-ing WHY

Now I understand the reason for something that confused me. I had a question about something.

🟡 Intermediate

What a coincidence! I was just talking about you. (What a coincidence, What are the odds, Small world, That's such a coincidence)

🔤 what uh ko-IN-suh-dens / eye wuz just TAW-king uh-BOWT yoo

It is surprising and unusual that two unrelated things happened at the same time. I was speaking your name when you arrived.

🟡 Intermediate

It's totally worth it. (It's totally worth it, It's definitely worth it, It's well worth it, It's worth every penny)

🔤 its TOH-tuh-lee WERTH it

Something is good enough to spend your time, money, or effort on it because the result will be good.

🟡 Intermediate

That's a relief. I was worried for a second. (That's a relief, What a relief, That's reassuring, Good to hear)

🔤 thats uh rih-LEEF / eye wuz WUR-eed for uh SEK-und

I feel happy and calm now because something bad did not happen. I felt nervous or scared for a short time.

🟡 Intermediate

Better late than never, right? (Better late than never, At least you made it, Late is better than not at all, You got there eventually)

🔤 BET-er LATE than NEV-er / RIGHT

It is better to arrive or do something after the correct time than to not do it at all.

🟡 Intermediate

Let me think about it and get back to you. (Let me think about it, Let me consider it, Give me a moment to think, Let me sleep on it)

🔤 let mee THINK uh-BOWT it and get BAK too yoo

I need time to consider or decide. I will speak with you again after I have thought more.

🟢 Beginner

I'll let you know by tomorrow. (I'll let you know, I'll tell you, I'll get back to you, I'll inform you)

🔤 ILL let yoo NO by tuh-MAR-oh

I will give you information or tell you my decision before the next day ends.

🟡 Intermediate

Let's play it by ear. (Let's play it by ear, Let's see how it goes, Let's figure it out as we go, Let's decide later)

🔤 lets PLAY it by EER

We will decide what to do later when we see what happens. We will not plan everything now.

🟡 Intermediate

It totally slipped my mind. I'm so sorry. (It totally slipped my mind, It completely slipped my mind, I completely forgot, It went right out of my head)

🔤 it TOH-tuh-lee SLIPPED my MIND / ime SO SAR-ee

I forgot something completely without meaning to. I feel bad that I forgot.

🟡 Intermediate

It's on the tip of my tongue. (It's on the tip of my tongue, I almost remember it, I can't quite recall it, It's right on the edge of my memory)

🔤 its ON the TIP of my TUNG

I almost remember something but cannot say it right now. The word or idea is almost in my mind.

🟢 Beginner

On second thought, let's take the subway. (On second thought, Actually, Come to think of it, Then again)

🔤 awn SECond THAWT,/ lets TAKE the SUBway./

I changed my mind; let's use the train instead of another way to go.

🟡 Intermediate

If I were you, I'd apologize first. (If I were you, In your position, Were I you, If it were me)

🔤 if ai WER yoo,/ aid uh PAHluh jyz FIRST./

In your situation, I would say sorry before doing anything else.

🟡 Intermediate

What if we leave a little earlier? (What if we, How about we, Why don't we, Suppose we)

🔤 what IF we LEAVE/ uh LItul ER lee ur?/

Do you want to go sooner instead of at the normal time?

🟡 Intermediate

How about we split the bill? (How about we, What if we, Why don't we, Shall we)

🔤 how uh BOWT we/ SPLIT the BIL?/

Should we each pay half of the money we owe for this?

🟡 Intermediate

Would you rather stay in or go out? (Would you rather, Do you prefer to, Which would you rather, What would you rather)

🔤 wood yoo RAH ther/ STAY IN or GO OWT?/

Do you want to stay home more, or do you want to go somewhere else?

🟡 Intermediate

First things first, let's grab something to eat. (First things first, Before anything else, To start with, First off)

🔤 FIRST THINGS FIRST,/ lets GRAB SUMthing too EET./

Before we do anything else, let's get some food for our bodies.

🟢 Beginner

Just in case, bring a jacket. (Just in case, To be safe, Just to be sure, In case)

🔤 just in CASE,/ BRING uh JAKet./

Take a coat with you so you will be warm if it becomes cold.

🟡 Intermediate

Either way, I'm happy for you. (Either way, Whichever way, Regardless, In any case)

🔤 EE ther WAY,/ im HAP ee for YOO./

No matter what happens, I feel good about your situation.

🟢 Beginner

Keep me posted. (Keep me posted, Keep me updated, Let me know how it goes, Fill me in later)

🔤 KEEP me POH sted./

Tell me new things when something important happens or changes.

🟡 Intermediate

Let's catch up over coffee soon. (Let's catch up, Let's get together, Let's meet up, Let's hang out)

🔤 lets CATCH UP/ OH ver CAW fee SOON./

Let's meet and talk together, and drink hot brown water called coffee.

🟢 Beginner

It's on me this time. (It's on me, I've got this, My treat, I'll get this one)

🔤 its awn MEE this TIME./

I will pay the money for this; you do not need to pay.

🟢 Beginner

I owe you one. (I owe you one, I owe you, I'm in your debt, I'll make it up to you)

🔤 ai OH yoo WUN./

You helped me, so I will help you back later.

🔴 Advanced

I can't wait to see you. (I can't wait, I can hardly wait, I'm so excited, I'm really looking forward to it)

🔤 ai KANT wayt / tuh SEE yoo

you are very excited and happy about meeting someone soon

🟡 Intermediate

I'm looking forward to the weekend. (I'm looking forward to, I can't wait for, I'm excited for, I'm counting down to)

🔤 aim LUK-ing FOR-werd / tuh thuh WEEKend

you feel happy and excited because the weekend is coming soon

🟡 Intermediate

It's been a while since we hung out. (It's been a while, It's been ages, It's been forever, It's been too long)

🔤 its BIN uh HWYL / sins wee HUNG owt

a long time has passed since you last spent time together with someone

🔴 Advanced

I'm just saying, it wouldn't hurt to ask. (I'm just saying, All I'm saying is, Just a thought, Just putting it out there)

🔤 aim just SAY-ing, / it WUD-nt HERT / tuh ASK

you think it would be okay or good to try asking someone about something