Paste the transcript of anything you said and count exactly how many filler words you used. This free filler word counter detects um, uh, like, you know, basically, literally, and 16 other common English filler words. Get your count, percentage, and per-minute rate instantly. No registration required.
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Filler words this tool detects
um, uh, like, you know, basically, literally, actually, kind of, sort of, I mean, well, right, okay, you see, anyway, whatever, honestly, clearly, obviously, seriously, totally, absolutely
What are filler words?
Filler words are words and phrases speakers use to fill pauses in speech without adding meaning. The most common English filler words are um, uh, like, you know, basically, literally, actually, kind of, sort of, I mean, well, right, and okay. Using too many filler words makes speech sound uncertain and unprepared, which affects how others perceive your confidence and language proficiency.
How many filler words per minute is acceptable?
Professional speakers and confident communicators typically use fewer than 5 filler words per minute. Between 5 and 10 per minute is average for informal conversation. Above 10 per minute starts to affect how listeners perceive your clarity and confidence. Native English speakers aiming to speak professionally should aim for fewer than 5 filler words per minute.
How can I reduce my filler words?
The most effective way to reduce filler words is daily spoken practice with real-time feedback. Replacing filler words with deliberate pauses is more effective than trying to eliminate them without a substitute. AI conversation with Lucy OS1 lets you practice speaking naturally every day, which builds the confidence and automaticity that makes filler words unnecessary.
Do filler words matter in a second language?
Yes. Filler words matter significantly in a second language because they signal uncertainty and affect how native speakers perceive your proficiency. In English proficiency assessments like IELTS Speaking and TOEFL Speaking, frequent use of filler words is a marker of lower fluency. Reducing filler words is one of the most immediate ways to improve how your spoken language is perceived.
Lucy OS1 speaks with you at your exact CEFR level. Daily AI speaking practice is the single highest-impact activity for moving up the scale, from A2 to B1, from B1 to B2, from B2 to C1.
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