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

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Maanvi

The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely developed as a way for speakers to manage the flow of conversation and signal that they expect the listener to understand or be familiar with what is being discussed. Filler phrases often emerge from the need to fill pauses, give the speaker...
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The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely developed as a way for speakers to manage the flow of conversation and signal that they expect the listener to understand or be familiar with what is being discussed. Filler phrases often emerge from the need to fill pauses, give the speaker time to think, or reinforce shared understanding. Over time, "you know" became a common way to connect thoughts, emphasize points, or engage listeners. Its widespread use can also be attributed to its role in making speech sound more conversational and informal. read less
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I have three year experience in teaching

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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All Subjects & C.Sci Tutor

The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely emerged as a way to buy time, seek agreement, or signal that the listener is following along. It helps manage the flow of conversation and maintain a connection with the audience.
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Online Mathematics tutor with 8 years experience(Online Classes for 10th to 12th)

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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Gold Medalist in Education | Experienced Teacher with 19+ Years of Classroom and Online Teaching

Renu sundriyal The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely emerged as a way to buy time, seek agreement, or signal that the listener is following along. It helps manage the flow of conversation and maintain a connection with the audience.
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Gold Medalist in Education | Experienced Teacher with 19+ Years of Classroom and Online Teaching

Renu sundriyal The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely emerged as a way to buy time, seek agreement, or signal that the listener is following along. It helps manage the flow of conversation and maintain a connection with the audience.
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Teacher with 20 years of teaching experience.

Use of "you know" too many times while conversing with someone whom you don't know may be considered as not a very good mannerism. It might give the person who is speaking a false feeling that the person who is listening is agreeing with you. But in fact some persons may feel that you are forcing your...
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Use of "you know" too many times while conversing with someone whom you don't know may be considered as not a very good mannerism. It might give the person who is speaking a false feeling that the person who is listening is agreeing with you. But in fact some persons may feel that you are forcing your opinions on them. So better to use this phrase cautiously. This is my personal opinion. read less
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The filler you know is generally used by people who are trying to prove their point and prolong a conversation. It's also used frequently who are not aware of which joining words to use.
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The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely evolved from its original function as a way to seek confirmation or express shared understanding between speakers. Over time, it became a common conversational filler. Here's a brief overview of how this may have happened: 1. **Original...
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The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely evolved from its original function as a way to seek confirmation or express shared understanding between speakers. Over time, it became a common conversational filler. Here's a brief overview of how this may have happened: 1. **Original Function**: Initially, "you know" was used to involve the listener by indicating that the speaker assumes shared knowledge or understanding. For example, "You know, the place we visited last summer?" 2. **Filler Phrase**: As conversations evolved, speakers began using "you know" more frequently to fill pauses or give themselves time to think. This usage shifted from its original function to become a habitual part of speech. 3. **Social Influence**: Language patterns often spread through social interactions and media. As "you know" became common in casual conversation, it was picked up and used more widely, solidifying its role as a filler phrase. 4. **Speech Rhythm**: Fillers like "you know" help maintain the rhythm of speech and can make conversations feel more natural and less abrupt. In essence, the phrase transitioned from a tool for seeking confirmation to a filler that helps manage the flow of conversation and maintain engagement. read less
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I have trained over 100 students since 5-6 years as a foreign language trainer

The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely developed from its original function of seeking listener confirmation or engagement. Over time, it became a common conversational filler, used to: Fill Pauses: Helps speakers think about what to say next or maintain the flow of conversation. ...
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The use of "you know" as a filler phrase in spoken English likely developed from its original function of seeking listener confirmation or engagement. Over time, it became a common conversational filler, used to: Fill Pauses: Helps speakers think about what to say next or maintain the flow of conversation. Example: "I went to the store, you know, to buy some groceries." Engage Listeners: Invites listeners to acknowledge or relate to what’s being said. Example: "It was really hot yesterday, you know, like summer weather." Show Uncertainty: Indicates that the speaker is not entirely sure about the information or wants to check if the listener understands. Example: "It's, you know, a bit complicated." Filler phrases like "you know" often become habitual and widespread as they help make speech more fluid and conversational. read less
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