uh

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "uh" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
It can be used to convey hesitation, uncertainty, or to fill a pause in conversation.
Example: "I was thinking, uh, maybe we should try a different approach."
Alternatives: "um" or "well".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We should never, ever take off the table the notion that it may be necessary to conduct some sort of nucle – uh, military strike against their nuclear ambition," Rubio said.

The Guardian

Uh … something like "Take me into your arms…" Thinking Out Loud?

The Guardian

Uh, not really.

The New York Times - Sports

There's one song that I was kinda, uh …" – Clarkson pauses delicately – "but it's not a bad song.

The Guardian - Music

"What's the correct term?" "Uh, I really don't know.

The Guardian

I explained that he wasn't really my "friend", per se, just someone I'd, uh, recently met - I was from Texas, see, and didn't have... had forgotten to bring... it was a funny story, actually... had forgotten to bring a security deposit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

And huh as in uh-huh,") Viggo explains that the promise of Jauja was used as propaganda by the Spaniards who conquered South America in the 16th century.

The Guardian - Film

Voters see windmill plants closing over here, and opening in China, or they see the government slashing the subsidies paid to homes with solar panels and they conclude uh-oh, this is not going to be painless after all.And it's not going to be painless.

The Economist

A healthy rivalry will be fostered with the New York Red Bulls, who are based across the Hudson in New Jersey.In this section Guns and sugar Cook lightly grilled Platforms upon platforms Uh-oh, Danone City to city Battle of the boxes The age of smart machines ReprintsThe MLS has a mixture of home-grown and foreign players, mostly at the end of their careers.

The Economist

Hollywood's holiday blues Hollywood couples Reprints Related items Uh-oh Jan 7th 1999The trend seems to have reached its apotheosis with originality, or more accUh-oh Jants total absence.

The Economist

Or are the techno-enthusiasts right to argue that life is about to get a lot better?In this section Guns and sugar Cook lightly grilled Platforms upon platforms Uh-oh, Danone City to city Battle of the boxes The age of smart machines Reprints Related topics Massachusetts Institute of Technology Andrew McAfee McKinsey Global InstituteTwo things are clear.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In informal settings, "uh" can be a natural way to signal you are thinking, but be mindful of your audience and the message you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "uh" and other filler words, as it can detract from your message and make you sound less confident. Practice pausing silently instead.

Linguistic Context

The interjection "uh" functions primarily as a discourse marker, signaling hesitation, uncertainty, or a pause in speech. Ludwig demonstrates its usage in spoken contexts, often preceding a thought or response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the interjection "uh" serves as a common discourse marker, primarily indicating hesitation, uncertainty, or a pause in speech. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct for informal contexts. While prevalent in spoken language and news media, its use should be limited in formal settings to maintain clarity and project confidence. Alternatives like "um", "well", or a silent pause can often serve the same purpose without detracting from the message. The examples showcase its natural integration into spoken language, while emphasizing the importance of judicious use.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

um

Similar filler word indicating hesitation or thinking time.

er

Another filler word used to signal hesitation or uncertainty.

well

Can be used as a discourse marker to introduce a thought or response with slight hesitation.

like

Informal filler word, often used by younger speakers.

so

Used to introduce a new topic or transition between thoughts, with a pause.

hmm

Expresses thoughtfulness or mild uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I reduce my use of "uh" in speech?

Practicing mindfulness while speaking, pausing before answering, and preparing talking points can help reduce reliance on filler words like "uh".

Is it ever appropriate to use "uh" in writing?

While generally avoided in formal writing, "uh" can be used in dialogue to realistically portray a character's hesitation or uncertainty. Consider using alternatives such as "um" or rewriting the sentence to avoid fillers.

What's the difference between "uh" and "um"?

Both "uh" and "um" are filler words used to indicate hesitation, but the choice between them is largely stylistic and may depend on regional dialect. They serve the same function.

When is it best to avoid using "uh"?

Avoid using "uh" in formal presentations, job interviews, or any situation where you want to project confidence and expertise. Preparation and practice are key to minimizing filler words.