Listening: Understanding Natural Connected Speech B1 - Lesson 2: Understanding Speech with Some Hesitations and Fillers

Welcome to A2 Listening! When communicating in English, you will often hear native speakers use small words and sounds that seem meaningless. These are called Hesitations and Fillers . Sounds like um and words like well or like do not change the grammar or meaning of a sentence. They are simply used by speakers to buy time to think. Today, we will train your ears to identify them so you can focus strictly on the core message without getting confused. Core Categories of Fillers: Thinking Sounds: Um, Uh, Er, Well Common Filler Words: Like, You know, I mean, Basically Self-Correction Phrases: Or rather, I mean, Sorry I meant The Literal Translation Trap Do not translate filler words literally in your head! In the sentence 'It was, like, crazy,' the word 'like' is simply a filler, not the verb meaning to enjoy something. Please enable JavaScript to view the interactive sound nodes, take the stacked quiz, and access the download options.