When learners need time to think, they often go silent, or they use a thinking sound from their own language. Both can confuse a British listener: silence can sound like you have finished or are upset. Learners also translate direct sentences, such as "This room is cold" or "No, I don't agree", which can sound sharp in British English. In this episode: • Fillers: time to think • Hedges: softer words • The -ish ending • Softening a complaint or a no • SCENE: PLANNING A BARBECUE (an invented household) • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: erm — the British spelling of "um"; erm (URM, with no R sound) er — the British spelling of "uh"; er (UH, a long sound with no R) well — I'm thinking, or my answer isn't simple let me think — I need a moment (neutral) how can I put it — I'm looking for the right words (neutral) you know — I'm sure you understand (casual) I mean — I'll explain or correct myself (casual) like — a filler, especially among younger people (very casual) sort of — a little, not exactly (casual) kind of — a little, not exactly (casual) a bit — a little (very common) quite — fairly (neutral) I suppose — I think, but I'm not sure or not keen I reckon — I think (casual) I think — showing it's my opinion I'd say — my opinion or my guess (neutral) probably — likely perhaps — maybe (neutral); perhaps (puh-HAPS) maybe — perhaps (casual to neutral) more or less — almost -ish — about, roughly (casual) sevenish — around seven o'clock; sevenish (SEV-n-ish) blue-ish — a little blue fortyish — about forty years old tallish — fairly tall Real British English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — modern British accent, everyday grammar, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang, he/she/it for things, and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.