a crutch word

A crutch is a stick you put under your arm to help you walk if you have injured your leg. Basically, a crutch is something you use for support, but you do not have to have had an injury to use a crutch word.

If we want to give ourselves more time to think or to emphasize a point, we use crutch words; they support us when we're speaking.

It is important to remember that although crutch words can help when you are thinking of what to say next, you should be aware that people find over-use of them very annoying; people dislike hearing too many crutch words.

Crutch words can be used in casual conversation but should be avoided in formal settings like public speaking or presentations. Crutch words aren't generally used in written English.

Five Common Crutch Words

Like

I was, like, thinking we should go for pizza.

Well

Well, that was more difficult than I expected.

You know

It's, you know, not my decision what happens next.

Literally

Today was literally the coldest day I can remember.

Obviously

I'm obviously very happy to have been chosen.

Do you use any of these or do you have any other examples? Leave your comments below.

Wow I can't tell you how ​grateful I am for ​your ​help (= I am ​extremely ​grateful).

I sometimes use crutch words although didn't now they were called crutch words.

Thanks.

I was on crutches for six ​weeks when I ​broke my ​leg.

Martin ​broke his ​leg and has been on crutches for the past six ​weeks.

After the accident I spent six months on crutches.

High interest rates are merely a crutch for the country’s ailing economy.

What are five common crutch words in British English?

They are in American English like, well, you know, literally, and obviously.

Yeah, I know that but my ​children never ​want to let me in on what they do in ​school.
What should I do with it lest this situation is not such?

Did you mean CROTCH?

So many thanks for your very interesting lesson of the crutch words.
And now I'm going to ​karate lessons to ​learn how to ​defend myself.