There are some words in English that are used almost always in spoken English only. These words are a little difficult to understand, because they are not usually written down or explained in textbooks. Occasionally they are explained in textbooks but not very well.

Today we are going to take a look at a word that isn't talked about very often and is hard to explain.  The odd word "Well,"

Let's be clear. This is not the adverb well: I can read well. This is not the deep hole in your backyard that you can get water out of either. O no, this is something much much stranger.

"Well," has several uses in spoken English.

First, it can be used to change the subject. It is usually used when the new subject is not connected or related to the previous one. For example,

"That's a really funny story. Well, it's time to go home."

The funny story is not connected to going home.

It's often used on newscasts to change to another story:

"Thanks for that story, Jane. Well, next, a local man has given birth to twins."

There is also a colloquial word "welp":

A: Mmm, those were good pickles.

B: Yes, they were. Welp, let's go watch some TV.

Second, it can be used as a hesitation word. It is often used after someone asks a question.

A:Do you like pickles?

B:Well, not really.

B is thinking about a safe answer. Saying "well" helps the speaker think a little more before answering the question.

It can also be used when the speaker is at a loss for words:

A: You are a crazy pickle eater!

B: Well, I like to eat pickles. That isn't bad.

B is a little surprised. She needs to think of a good thing to say, so she uses "well" to think for a little while.

Can you give it a try?  In the comments below try to write a dialog using well.