How did people start using "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English?

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Why do people use the phrase "you know" very often when they speak? This kind of phrase is usually used as a space filler, while the speaker is thinking of the next thing to say. Some people are afraid of the silence caused by pausing to think. Also, in many cases, it is a nervous habit, a bit like...
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Why do people use the phrase "you know" very often when they speak?This kind of phrase is usually used as a spacefiller, while the speaker is thinking of the next thing to say. Some people are afraid of the silence caused by pausing to think. Also, in many cases, it is a nervous habit, a bit like tics. read less
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I am online Quran teacher 7 years

The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely evolved over time as a way for speakers to signal comprehension or to invite agreement or empathy from their listeners. It serves as a conversational placeholder while the speaker gathers their thoughts or transitions between ideas. Its...
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The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely evolved over time as a way for speakers to signal comprehension or to invite agreement or empathy from their listeners. It serves as a conversational placeholder while the speaker gathers their thoughts or transitions between ideas. Its prevalence in spoken language may also be influenced by cultural factors and the natural rhythm of speech. read less
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Best teacher is the best learner

This kind of phrase is usually used as a space filler, while the speaker is thinking of the next thing to say. Some people are afraid of the silence caused by pausing to think. Also, in many cases, it is a nervous habit, a bit like tics.
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more than 5 year experience tutor

Why do people use the phrase "you know" very often when they speak? This kind of phrase is usually used as a space filler, while the speaker is thinking of the next thing to say. Some people are afraid of the silence caused by pausing to think. Also, in many cases, it is a nervous habit, a bit like t...
read more
Why do people use the phrase "you know" very often when they speak?This kind of phrase is usually used as a space filler, while the speaker is thinking of the next thing to say. Some people are afraid of the silence caused by pausing to think. Also, in many cases, it is a nervous habit, a bit like tics read less
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Hands on Agile Coaching and Transformation

Over time, "you know" has become ingrained in many people's speech patterns as a habitual filler phrase, similar to "um" or "uh." It often occurs when speakers are searching for the right words, pausing to gather their thoughts, or simply as a habit without a specific communicative purpose.
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I am a home tutor. I am teaching since 3 years.

This kind of phrase is usually used as a space filter, while the speaker is thinking of the next thing to say.
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Spoken English Trainer with 22 years of experience in Educational institutions

Usually when someone is nervous or unable to express their thoughts uses 'you know' as a space filler.Also , sometimes when the topic is not very familiar, people use fillers to show the audience that they are still thinking about the topic.
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People started using "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English to: Buy Time: It allows speakers to think about what to say next. Seek Agreement: It engages listeners and seeks their understanding or agreement. Ease Conversation: It makes speech sound more natural and less formal.
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People started using "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English to: Buy Time: It allows speakers to think about what to say next. Seek Agreement: It engages listeners and seeks their understanding or agreement. Ease Conversation: It makes speech sound more natural and less formal. read less
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Experience & certified N.T.T, 8 years experience

This kind of phrase is usually used as a space filler, while the speaker is thinking of the next thing to say. Some people are afraid of the silence caused by pausing to think.
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I am diploma pursuing experience 2 year

This kind of phrase is usually used as a space filler, while the speaker is thinking of the next thing to say.
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