um

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "um" is not correct or usable in formal written English.
It is typically used in spoken language as a filler word to indicate hesitation or to give the speaker time to think.
Example: "Um, I'm not sure what to say next."
Alternatives: "Well," or "Let me think,".

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A kiss!  (Um abraço! Um beijo!) What foreigners hear: I've clearly made quite an impression we've just met but he/she really likes me!

The Economist

"Jean, what?" "Um," she mumbles, "make someone happy.

The Guardian - Film

I say, 'Er... um... he's... wearing a tie,' which Ahmadinejad never does, thus explaining my confusion.

The Guardian

New York is, um … yeah, it's coming in, let's put it that way.

The Guardian - Film

I think he is – I haven't seen a really good-looking muscular guy inside … [slightly hysterical nervous titter] his, um, suit.

The Guardian - Music

I remember sitting there that day, with a young baby, and, um … there was so much emotion in that day.

The Guardian

So I'm totally on top of everything and 100% sure I ordered all those presents and they're absolutely going to turn up on the doorstep Monday morning latest – pause for deep breathing into a paper bag – but, um, there's quite a lot to do at this time of year, isn't there?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Um, note to Ann: that big Obama plan to make him look like a gold medalist in the 1% Olympics is flawlessly executed by Mitt himself – every time he dons a pair of his Lady Wranglers and trots out to tell us things like – "Banks aren't bad people, they are scared to death … feeling what you are feeling".

The Guardian - Opinion

There's isn't a person of my, um, hue in the film".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We are against the chaos, but when I say stop, they don't listen," says an Arab parliamentarian, sitting at the calm of his Knesset desk as riots rage in his home town of Um-al Fahm. Um-al Fahm

The Economist

Um... well it has to be London 2012.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "um" sparingly in speech to avoid sounding uncertain. In writing, avoid it altogether for a more polished and professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "um" excessively, as it can make you sound unprepared or lacking confidence. Instead, practice pausing silently to gather your thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "um" is that of an interjection. It serves as a filler word, used to indicate hesitation, a pause for thought, or uncertainty in spoken language. As Ludwig indicates, it's a verbal pause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "um" functions as an interjection, primarily used in spoken language to signal hesitation or a pause for thought. As Ludwig AI points out, it's generally acceptable in informal contexts, but its overuse should be avoided, especially in formal writing, to maintain clarity and professionalism. While very common in speech, alternatives like "uh", "well", or a silent pause can be more effective. Its prevalence in news and media reflects its common usage, but awareness of context is key to effective communication.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Uh

Similar filler word indicating hesitation, shorter and more abrupt.

Er

Filler word often used in British English to signal hesitation.

Well

Indicates a pause for thought or a transition to a different topic.

Let me see

Explicitly states that the speaker needs time to consider something.

Like

Filler word often used to soften statements or indicate approximation.

So

Used to introduce a thought or conclusion, providing a slight pause.

More alternative expressions

micron

aaa

uhh

duh

eom

je

mm

mhm

uh

er

apologies

hmm

mmm

umm

friends

cheers

hmmm

yes

uh huh

ah

FAQs

How to use "um" in a sentence?

"Um" is typically used as a filler word in spoken language to indicate hesitation or to give the speaker time to think. Example: "Um, I'm not sure what to say next."

What can I say instead of "um"?

You can use alternatives like "uh", "well", or "let me see" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "um" in formal writing?

No, "um" is generally inappropriate for formal writing. It is best to avoid filler words in formal contexts to maintain a professional and polished tone.

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

Both "um" and "uh" are filler words used to indicate hesitation, but "uh" is often shorter and more abrupt, while "um" can sometimes signal a slightly longer pause or deeper thought.