Most vocabulary lists group words by topic (home, food, travel). This one is different — it groups the small, high-frequency words that hold a conversation together, regardless of topic. These words won't show up in a dictionary's "important words" list, but you'll hear them in almost every conversation.
Softening and hedging words
Native speakers rarely state things with total certainty — these words soften a claim, making it sound natural rather than blunt.
probably, maybe, kind of, sort of, I guess, I suppose, apparently, I think, to be honest, actually.
Agreeing and disagreeing
exactly, totally, definitely, absolutely, I see what you mean, fair enough, I'm not so sure, not necessarily, I guess so.
Reacting and showing interest
really?, no way, that's crazy, seriously?, I bet, that makes sense, good point, interesting.
Buying time while speaking
Short filler words give you a moment to think without an awkward silence — used naturally, they make speech sound more fluent, not less.
well, so, anyway, like, you know, I mean, let me think, actually.
Connecting ideas in speech
anyway, by the way, speaking of which, on top of that, besides, other than that, apart from that.
Everyday intensity words
These add emphasis in casual speech, more naturally than "very" in most conversations.
so (so tired), really, super, incredibly, totally, absolutely.
How to practise these
Unlike topic vocabulary, these words are best learned by noticing them in real conversations, shows, or podcasts — because their meaning depends heavily on tone and context. Try picking three from this list each week and deliberately using them in your own conversations.
Where to go next
For topic-based vocabulary (home, work, travel, shopping), see our Common English Words by Situation. For ready-made full sentences using natural conversational language, see Daily-Use English Sentences.