{"id":156,"date":"2025-06-20T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/?p=156"},"modified":"2025-06-20T01:00:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T01:00:01","slug":"17-ways-to-respond-during-a-conversation-besides-uh-huh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/17-ways-to-respond-during-a-conversation-besides-uh-huh\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Ways to Respond in a Conversation Besides \"Uh-Huh\""},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/17-ways-to-respond-during-a-conversation-besides-uh-huh\/#Phrases_to_Show_Youre_Interested\" >Phrases to Show You\u2019re Interested<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/17-ways-to-respond-during-a-conversation-besides-uh-huh\/#Phrases_to_Show_You_Approve\" >Phrases to Show You Approve<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/17-ways-to-respond-during-a-conversation-besides-uh-huh\/#Phrases_to_Show_You_Agree\" >Phrases to Show You Agree<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/17-ways-to-respond-during-a-conversation-besides-uh-huh\/#Phrases_to_Show_You_Sympathize\" >Phrases to Show You Sympathize<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/17-ways-to-respond-during-a-conversation-besides-uh-huh\/#Phrases_to_Show_Youre_Doubtful\" >Phrases to Show You\u2019re Doubtful<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/17-ways-to-respond-during-a-conversation-besides-uh-huh\/#Wrap-up\" >Wrap-up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>When you\u2019re having a conversation, how do you show your partner that you\u2019re listening?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People often make special sounds (\u201cUh-huh\u201d or \u201cMm-hmm\u201d) or use particular words (\u201cInteresting!\u201d) to do this. This is called \u201cbackchanneling,\u201d and it\u2019s a very important part of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, English learners often use only one form of backchanneling. But if you <em>overuse<\/em> the same ones, such as \"Uh-huh,\" it might sound like you're not interested in the conversation\u00a0 \u2014 or maybe like you're not listening at all!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look at this example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Lisa:<\/em> So I went to a pizza restaurant today...<br><em>Alejandro:<\/em> Uh-huh.<br><em>Lisa:<\/em> ...and I ordered a cheese pizza...<br><em>Alejandro:<\/em> Uh-huh.<br><em>Lisa:<\/em> ...but they took an hour to make it!<br><em>Alejandro:<\/em> Uh-huh.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Lisa is complaining, but Alejandro's repeated use of \u201cUh-huh\u201d makes him sound like he doesn\u2019t really care.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you avoid situations like this, let's learn some other useful English phrases that can make our responses sound more natural!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phrases_to_Show_Youre_Interested\"><\/span><strong>Phrases to Show You\u2019re Interested<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following reactions show that you're not just listening, but also that you're really interested in what your partner is saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Interesting!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nice!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cool!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wow!&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oh yeah?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All of these have a similar meaning, but \"wow\" has the strongest nuance of being impressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, keep in mind that \u201cnice\u201d here doesn\u2019t mean \u201ckind.\u201d Instead, it means \u201cCool!\u201d or \u201cWell done!\u201d For example, if someone says they passed a test, you could reply with \u201cNice!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how you can use them:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141857\/avatar_39.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">I went to a Japanese hair salon today.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141747\/avatar_30.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Cool! \/ Nice!<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141857\/avatar_39.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">In addition to doing my hair, they also gave me a head massage!<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141747\/avatar_30.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Wow!<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Use \"Oh yeah?\" as a casual way to show you're interested and that you want to hear more.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141826\/avatar_33.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">I'm on vacation from next week.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141743\/avatar_29.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Oh yeah?<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141826\/avatar_33.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Yeah. I'm traveling to Spain to visit friends.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phrases_to_Show_You_Approve\"><\/span><strong>Phrases to Show You Approve<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035614\/connecting_w-th_partner_1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A couple laughing while drinking tea\" class=\"wp-image-9159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035614\/connecting_w-th_partner_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035614\/connecting_w-th_partner_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035614\/connecting_w-th_partner_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035614\/connecting_w-th_partner_1-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035614\/connecting_w-th_partner_1-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some common English phrases to show you approve of something your conversation partner said or did:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>That makes sense.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good call. \/ Good thinking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Saying \u201cThat makes sense\u201d tells the speaker that you agree with their reasons for doing something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201ccall\u201d in \u201cGood call\u201d means \u201cdecision.\u201d So saying \u201cGood call\u201d means \u201cGood decision\u201d or \u201cI think you did the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141533\/avatar_2.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">We forgot an order today, so one of our customers had to wait an hour for her pizza! I felt bad, so I didn't charge her.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141619\/avatar_15.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Good call.<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141533\/avatar_2.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Even though we lost a bit of money, I thought it would be better to keep the customer happy.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141619\/avatar_15.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Yeah, that makes sense<\/strong>.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phrases_to_Show_You_Agree\"><\/span><strong>Phrases to Show You Agree<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to show that you agree with your conversation partner, you can use the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I agree.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I think so, too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That\u2019s true.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That\u2019s a good point.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI agree\u201d and \u201cI think so, too\u201d are the most basic ways to agree with someone. If you want to emphasize how much you think someone is right, you can say, \u201cI totally agree.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s true\u201d and \u201cThat\u2019s a good point\u201d also show agreement, but there is less emphasis on your personal feelings and more on what is <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/app\/words\/word\/objective\/5iV6O76TSrODqhNrUEqv3A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">objective<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phrases_to_Show_You_Sympathize\"><\/span><strong>Phrases to Show You Sympathize<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"609\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035720\/connecting_w-th_partner_2-1024x609.jpg\" alt=\"A man and a woman chatting on a sidewalk\" class=\"wp-image-9160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035720\/connecting_w-th_partner_2-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035720\/connecting_w-th_partner_2-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035720\/connecting_w-th_partner_2-768x456.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When someone is sharing bad news, it's especially important to respond in the right way. Here are some casual phrases you can use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"11\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Oh no!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oh my god\/goodness!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That sucks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that \u201cOh my god\u201d and \u201cOh my goodness\u201d can be used for both positive and negative situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See how these expressions are used in this dialogue:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141737\/avatar_28.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">The pizza I ordered took an hour to arrive.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141645\/avatar_20.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Oh no! \/ That sucks! \/ Oh my god!<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>And here are some phrases you can use in more serious situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"14\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I\u2019m sorry about that.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I\u2019m really sorry to hear that. \/ I\u2019m so sorry to hear that.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141702\/avatar_23.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">My cat died last night.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141610\/avatar_13.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Oh no. I'm sorry to hear that!<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phrases_to_Show_Youre_Doubtful\"><\/span><strong>Phrases to Show You\u2019re Doubtful<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035847\/connecting_w-th_partner_3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A woman talking with her granddaughter while baking cookies\" class=\"wp-image-9161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035847\/connecting_w-th_partner_3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035847\/connecting_w-th_partner_3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035847\/connecting_w-th_partner_3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035847\/connecting_w-th_partner_3-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/08\/04035847\/connecting_w-th_partner_3-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Showing doubt is another way to respond to your conversation partner. Try these reactions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"16\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Really? \/ Wait, really<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are you sure?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141857\/avatar_39.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">The hair stylist gave me a head massage!<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141747\/avatar_30.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Wait, really?<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141857\/avatar_39.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Yeah! I think it's normal for Japanese hair salons.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrap-up\"><\/span><strong>Wrap-up<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that using \"Uh-huh\" is fine, but with these expressions, you can add some variety to your responses. Also, you'll be prepared when someone uses them to respond to what <em>you<\/em> say. Try them out in your next conversation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you're looking for even more tips on being a good chat partner, check out this article next: <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-be-a-better-listener-in-your-english-conversations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Be a Better Listener in Your English Conversations<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you\u2019re having a conversation, how do you show your partner that you\u2019re listening?&nbsp; People often make special sounds (\u201cUh-huh\u201d or \u201cMm-hmm\u201d) or use particular words (\u201cInteresting!\u201d) to do this. This is called \u201cbackchanneling,\u201d and...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":160,"featured_media":9825,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"unified_meta_tagline_field":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[64,58],"class_list":["post-156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-language-tips","tag-conversation-tips","tag-other-ways-to-say"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>17 Ways to Respond During a Conversation Besides &quot;Uh huh&quot;<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When having a chat in English, how do you show that you\u2019re listening? Do you say \u201cUh-huh\u201d or \u201cMm-hmm\u201d? 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