Language Tip: Avoid Filler Words for Clearer Speech

Many students unknowingly use filler words while speaking. These words can weaken your message and make you seem uncertain or unprepared. Common fillers include:

• um, uh, like, you know, actually, basically, literally, I mean, kind of, sort of, okay, right, so, well

To improve clarity and confidence in communication, try to pause briefly instead of filling silence with unnecessary words. Practice speaking slowly and clearly—this gives you time to think and your audience time to understand.

Reducing filler words not only sharpens your English but also boosts your professional image. Strong communication begins with clear, purposeful language—say what you mean, and mean what you say. 

For example:
❌ “I was, like, going to the library, and um, I saw my friend.”
✅ “I was going to the library and saw my friend.”

Notice how the second sentence is clearer and more confident.

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in

Birds Idioms

 

Words Describe Smells

 

Acrid: Strong, harsh, and unpleasant, often referring to chemical-like odours.

    Example: The acrid smell of burning rubber filled the air.

Fragrant: Pleasant and sweet-smelling.

    Example: The garden was fragrant with blooming roses and jasmine.

Pungent: Sharp and strong, often overwhelming.

    Example: The pungent aroma of garlic wafted through the kitchen.

Musty: Damp, stale, and moldy, often associated with neglected spaces.

    Example: The attic smelled musty, filled with old books and forgotten furniture.

Earthy: Natural, reminiscent of soil or plants.

    Example: After the rain, the air carried an earthy scent of wet soil.

Sweet: Sugary and pleasant, like candy or flowers.

    Example: The bakery’s sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries drew people in.

Smoky: Resembling the smell of smoke or burning wood.

    Example: The smoky fragrance of the campfire lingered on their clothes.

Fetid: Foul, rotten, or decaying—highly unpleasant.

    Example: The fetid odor of garbage was unbearable near the alley.

Floral: Light and fragrant, reminiscent of flowers.

    Example: Her perfume had a delicate floral scent, like lilies in spring.

Medicinal: Resembling the smell of medicine or disinfectants.

    Example: The hospital corridor had a medicinal smell that reminded her of antiseptic.

N.SHANMUGAN

Assistant Professor of English 

Words describe Tastes

 

1. Savory: Having a pleasant, salty, or spicy taste, often associated with umami flavors.
   Example: The freshly baked pizza had a savory aroma that made everyone's mouth water.

2. Sweet: Tasting pleasant and sugary.
   Example: The dessert was a delightful mix of sweet mangoes and creamy custard.

3. Bitter: Having a sharp, pungent taste, often associated with certain greens or coffee.
   Example: The black coffee was too bitter for her, so she added a spoonful of sugar.

4. Sour: Having an acidic, tangy taste.
   Example: The lemon juice added a refreshing sour note to the drink.

5. Salty: Tasting of or containing salt.
   Example: The chips were overly salty, leaving her thirsty afterward.

6. Spicy: Having a strong, piquant flavor from spices or chili.
   Example: The spicy curry left a pleasant warmth lingering on his palate.

7. Tangy: Having a sharp, zesty flavor, often described as a mix of sour and sweet.
   Example: The tangy barbecue sauce complemented the grilled chicken perfectly.

8. Bland: Lacking strong flavors or tasting mild.
   Example: The soup tasted bland until a pinch of salt and pepper was added.

9. Rich: Having a strong, full flavor, often due to fats or oils.
   Example: The chocolate cake was so rich that a small slice was enough to satisfy.

10. Zesty: Having a lively or piquant flavor, often from citrus.
    Example: The zesty orange dressing brought the salad to life.

Words describe Climates

 

1. Arid: Lacking sufficient rainfall to support vegetation; very dry.
   Example: The Sahara Desert is known for its arid landscape, where life struggles to sustain itself.

2. Balmy: Pleasantly warm and mild.
   Example: We strolled along the beach, enjoying the balmy breeze of the summer evening.

3. Chilly: Uncomfortably cool or cold.
   Example: The mornings were chilly in the mountains, requiring us to bundle up in warm layers.

4. Damp: Slightly wet or moist.
   Example: The damp forest floor was covered with moss and fallen leaves.

5. Extreme: Reaching the highest degree; severe or intense.
   Example: Polar regions often experience extreme weather conditions that can be life-threatening.

6. Frigid: Extremely cold or freezing.
   Example: The frigid waters of the Antarctic Ocean are inhabited by only the hardiest marine species.

7. Humid: Containing a high amount of water vapor in the air; muggy.
   Example: The humid climate of the Amazon rainforest supports a diverse range of plant and animal life.

8. Mild: Moderate in intensity, not severe or extreme.
   Example: The region is known for its mild winters, making it an ideal destination for retirees.

9. Pleasant: Agreeable, enjoyable, or giving a sense of satisfaction.
   Example: The pleasant weather made it perfect for an outdoor family gathering.

10. Tropical: Characteristic of the tropics; warm and humid.
    Example: The lush tropical climate supports the growth of vibrant and exotic plants.

N.SHANMUGAN

Assistant Professor of English