Use Exclamations and Fillers to Sound More Natural
Using exclamations and filler words is a simple yet effective way to make your English sound more natural. However, it requires a lot of practice.
You might have noticed that sometimes you slip back into your native language when thinking in English. If you're from Mexico, for example, you might say "eh" or "bueno" while thinking.
These small moments are opportunities to elevate your English subtly. One of the easiest ways to do this is by incorporating common filler words used by native speakers, such as "really" and "seriously."
Americans tend to use these words frequently in response to someone's story or at the end of their comments to show they are paying attention. For instance, if you are talking to an American, they might say, "Oh, really? Seriously?" to demonstrate their engagement.
These words are rhetorical questions, which means they don't expect you to answer them.
They are simply a way of expressing interest and attention in the conversation. Incorporating these words can make you sound more natural and help you connect with native speakers.
Here are some of my favorite exclamations and fillers:
THINKING
hmm
uh
um
EXCITEMENT
yay
yippee
woo-hoo
great
awesome
SURPRISE
whoa
eek
yikes
wow
really
seriously
huh
DISAPPOINTMENT
shucks
shoot
aw
PAIN
ow
ouch
DISGUST
ew
yuck
ACCIDENT
oops
SWEET
aw
ANGER
grr
RELIEF
phew
BORING
blah
QUESTION
Huh?
It's essential to practice using these filler words and exclamations, so they become natural to you.
You don't want to overuse them, as that may make you sound insincere or overly dramatic.
However, by using them appropriately, you can add depth and personality to your English and make it sound more like that of a native speaker.