The way Americans speak says a lot about who they are. A surprising 98% of people use fillers like “um,” “so,” and “like” in everyday conversations. Speech is constantly evolving, shaped by culture and technology, and this study from Preply highlights which speech quirks are changing and which ones are sticking around.
The way people speak can vary greatly across the U.S., with each state adding its own flavor to the language. For instance, Indiana, Colorado, and Nebraska each have their own unique speech patterns. Many Americans try to adjust their speech; 43% say they want to slow down because they feel they speak too quickly. But not all speech quirks need to be changed—half of those who have lived in different places still embrace their hometown accents, treating them as a badge of pride.
Mastering speech isn’t about erasing habits—it’s about gaining confidence. Whether it’s improving pronunciation or speaking more clearly, English course platforms like Preply connect you with native speakers through private lessons. The way we talk reflects both our roots and our personal growth. Let’s dive into which speech habits Americans are holding on to, and which ones they’re leaving behind.
Most Common Language Habits in America
Filler words are the lifeblood of American speech patterns. Fluent speakers use these discourse markers naturally in casual conversations. These verbal habits surface when speakers pause between thoughts or signal specific moods and tones.
Top filler words used daily
Americans use several common filler words to keep their conversations flowing smoothly. The most popular fillers include:
- “Well” for thoughtful pauses
- “Um/Uh” for hesitation
- “You know” for shared understanding
- “Like” for approximations
- “Actually” for emphasis
- “Basically” for summarizing points
These discourse markers have multiple uses, from expressing doubt to emphasizing ideas. The word “like” started in California and has spread to all age groups, despite some criticism.
Regional speech patterns
American English shows clear regional variations throughout the country. The boundaries between major regional dialects often align with geographical barriers. The Ohio River separates the Midland Dialect from the Southern Dialect. Vocabulary differences also shape regional identities. Terms like “pop” dominate the Inland North and Upper Midwest, while “soda” prevails in the Northeast and California.
Age-based language differences
Young speakers have unique linguistic patterns that distinguish them from older generations. Research reveals that younger Americans use more slang words, personal pronouns, and emotional markers in their speech. They often use stance adverbs and discourse markers to express their personal viewpoints.
Older generations prefer more formal speech patterns and commonly use modal verbs. In spite of that, these age-based differences go beyond word choice. Young speakers’ communication style shows a more direct expression of personal stance that plays a significant role in their discourse.
American speech patterns continue to grow and change. Regional accents and age-based differences create a mixture of linguistic diversity across the country.
Why Americans Want to Change Their Speech
Speech patterns deeply affect career paths and social interactions in American society. Americans try to change how they speak for three main reasons: to advance their careers, fit in socially, and grow as individuals.
Professional impact
The way people speak has a big effect on hiring decisions and career growth. Studies show that hiring managers quickly judge candidates’ abilities based on their speech patterns. They often prefer candidates from higher social class backgrounds. Speaking multiple languages gives people a real advantage in their careers. Multilingual employees earn 5-20% higher wages than those who speak only one language.
Better speech patterns help people well beyond their first job. Bank of America reported that more than one-third of their jobs needed bilingual skills. The same goes for Humana, where nearly 25% of online job listings asked for multilingual abilities.
Social perception
Americans know their way of speaking shapes how others see their credibility and skills. Research shows that people can quickly figure out someone’s social status just by hearing them speak briefly. This affects many parts of social interaction.
Many Americans work hard to adjust how they communicate instead of accepting these judgments. Management surveys show that better language skills help people get:
- Job offers
- Interview chances
- Promotion recommendations
- Pay raise opportunities
Personal confidence
Speech patterns and self-esteem are closely linked. Many Americans find that better communication skills boost their overall confidence. Research shows that good self-talk helps people feel more confident, perform better, and handle emotions well.
Americans who develop better speech patterns often gain more professional credibility and feel more sure of themselves. They feel more comfortable speaking up at work and in social situations.
The push to change how we speak comes from knowing how much it affects career success and personal growth. Studies show that people with strong communication skills bounce back better from setbacks and solve problems more creatively.
Language Habits Americans Are Proud Of
Americans take pride in their distinctive speech patterns that serve as badges of cultural identity. The melodic tones of Maine and rhythmic cadences of Louisiana reflect a rich historical and cultural heritage.
Regional accents
The American linguistic map features up to 25 distinct accents, each carrying its own cultural significance. These accents thrive in regions with strong cultural identities. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi share the iconic “southern drawl” with its elongated vowels. The Boston accent proudly preserves its historical connections to early British settlers through unique pronunciations.
Hawaiian Pidgin English emerges as a treasured accent that blends native Hawaiian language elements with English. The Cajun accent in Louisiana celebrates its French roots by mixing influences from Cajun French, Creole, and English.
Cultural expressions
American idioms capture the nation’s values, history, and diversity. These linguistic shortcuts convey complex ideas quickly and effectively. Americans cherish specific themes in their expressions:
- Sports-related phrases showcase the nation’s love for athletics
- Food-themed expressions reflect regional culinary traditions
- Nature-inspired idioms connect to America’s diverse landscapes
- Animal-based sayings demonstrate rural heritage
These cultural expressions enrich conversations and make them more dynamic. Americans value their regional idioms because they demonstrate cultural competency and create shared understanding.
Language habits mean more than just communication to Americans. The expression “melting pot” celebrates cultural assimilation and diversity central to American identity. These idioms help bridge cultural gaps and reveal American values, humor, and social norms.
Americans treasure hundreds of unique idioms and expressions. While these might puzzle non-native speakers, they act as powerful markers of cultural identity. Such linguistic features add to spoken English’s natural flow and create a unique verbal landscape that mirrors America’s diverse influences and history.
Common Speech Habits That Need Work
Americans often notice certain speech patterns they need to work on to communicate better. Research shows these habits can disrupt both work and personal conversations, and many people want to improve.
Speaking too fast
Talking too quickly is a common problem that makes it harder for people to understand each other. Studies show rushed speech reduces the power of important messages. Rapid speech weakens voice quality and raises vocal pitch while making words less clear. People who talk fast also tend to use more filler words, which makes their message harder to follow.
People talk fast for different reasons. Research points to four main factors: thoughts racing ahead of speech, feeling nervous, childhood habits, and first language patterns. Some people naturally speak quickly, while others might do it because of specific brain-related conditions.
Overusing sorry
About 25% of American adults say sorry too often for things they can’t control. This habit usually comes from wanting to please others and can hurt both professional credibility and self-confidence.
Better ways to handle situations without apologizing include:
- Expressing gratitude: “Thank you for your patience”
- Taking responsibility: “I will have this completed by Friday”
- Offering solutions: “Let’s find a way to address this”
- Showing empathy: “I understand this is challenging”
Word finding difficulties
Many Americans struggle to find the right words at times. Research shows this problem demonstrates itself through several signs:
- Using vague words like “thing” or “stuff”
- Overusing fillers such as “um” or “ah”
- Substituting words with similar meanings
- Taking longer to answer questions
The reasons go beyond just forgetting words. Studies show these problems can come from not learning words in context, limited vocabulary use, or feeling anxious. These difficulties get worse under pressure, especially when people feel tired or stressed.
Better word recall comes from building stronger memory connections and learning words in different situations. Research proves that active practice with spaced repetition helps people remember and use words more easily. Regular practice with the right methods helps people find words more quickly and speak with more confidence.
How Technology Shapes Our Speech
“The development of language is part of the development of the personality, for words are the natural means of expressing thoughts and establishing understanding between people.” — Maria Montessori, Italian physician and educator
Digital technology keeps changing how Americans speak through different platforms and ways of communicating. Social media platforms have sped up language changes faster than ever before.
Social media influence
Social media platforms have changed how Americans express themselves through language. These changes show up in two ways. Twitter’s character limits force people to write shorter messages, which leads to more concise communication styles. Instagram and TikTok push users toward visual communication and make informal language the new normal.
These changes go beyond just choosing different words. Research shows that people who use social media communicate in more complex ways, both online and offline. Young people know how to use social media well. They understand its value as a tool to communicate and connect with others.
Digital communication effect
The digital world has brought big changes to grammar and syntax. Users often pick information that lines up with their priorities and join like-minded groups, which shapes how they communicate. Language has changed in several ways:
- Simplified sentence structures
- Reduced text length
- Decreased lexical richness
- Increased repetitiveness
Close-knit social networks and the huge amount of shared information trigger language to become simpler. Young people show unique patterns in how they communicate online.
New vocabulary adoption
New words keep popping up as digital communication changes. Millennials and Gen Z often create new terms. Abbreviations like “ICYMI” (in case you missed it) and “FOMO” (fear of missing out) show how culture has changed in the digital age.
These changes reach beyond casual chats. Business professionals now use new terms in formal settings. Phrases like “CEO of…” now mean expertise, and “GOAT” (greatest of all time) has become common. Different age groups use these terms differently:
- Younger generations: Create and welcome new abbreviations
- Older generations: Use 10-year old terms like “LOL” or “BRB”
These language changes appear in both writing and speech. Digital technology affects how language grows in every part of life. What started in online spaces now affects how we talk offline. People use hashtags in everyday conversations and new slang has become part of regular vocabulary.
This change reflects a bigger shift in American communication. Some linguists worry about grammar getting worse, while others see these changes as natural language progress. Research shows that digital platforms give people chances to play with and develop language. These new ways of expressing ourselves continue to shape how Americans speak.
Conclusion
American speech patterns tell a fascinating story about our cultural diversity, career goals, and how we adapt to technology. A striking 98% of Americans use filler words, and regional dialects remain strong. These speech characteristics have become powerful identity markers that go beyond simple communication.
Digital platforms and social media continue to shape how we speak, along with new workplace requirements. Many Americans try to improve certain speech habits – they speak too fast or say sorry too much. Yet they proudly keep their regional accents and cultural expressions that highlight their background.
Americans show incredible flexibility in their communication. They blend traditional speaking styles with fresh digital vocabulary. Studies reveal that this adaptable approach helps both personal development and career growth, especially for people who can switch between different languages or communication styles.
These patterns in how we speak mirror bigger cultural changes and advances in technology. People who grasp these changes and develop their communication skills find success in both social and professional settings. They show what makes American English so dynamic by keeping their cultural identity while adjusting to new communication needs.