Expresses an assumption of shared knowledge or opinion.

Seeking Agreement

Softens the impact of what's being said, sounding less direct.

Softening Statements

Maintains conversation rhythm, filling potential awkward silences.

Indicates a pause while thinking without stopping the dialogue.

Used as a filler word, similar to 'umm', to give the speaker time to think.

Gives the speaker a moment to find the right words during a conversation.

Highlights that the information being mentioned should be common knowledge.

Points to an understanding assumed to be held by the listener and speaker.

Signals that the speaker believes the listener already knows the information.