3 ms·

"Er" is definitely distinct as an interjection, it's usually used instead of "um" to indicate a correction and does sound different.

• thaumasiotes 4mo ago
  Are you claiming that a rhotic "er" exists in American English, or that the British particle "er" is distinct from the British particle "erm"? > it's usually used instead of "um" to indicate a correction and does sound different Obviously people can hear the difference between vocalizing with your mouth open and vocalizing with your mouth closed. But there is no systematic difference in use, similarly to how there is no systematic difference in use between "uh-huh" and "mhm".
  • Izkata 4mo ago
    > Are you claiming that a rhotic "er" exists in American English, or that the British particle "er" is distinct from the British particle "erm"? Neither. In Amrican English we're fully pronouncing the "r" when we say "er" instead of "um". > Obviously people can hear the difference between vocalizing with your mouth open and vocalizing with your mouth closed. That would be "uh" vs "um", not "er".