Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
You use ~ to indicate that a situation exists or happened, or to emphasize that it is true.
One afternoon, I grew bored and ~ fell asleep for a few minutes...
Interest is only payable on the amount ~ borrowed.
ADV: ADV before v, ADV group emphasis
2.
You use ~ when you are correcting or contradicting someone.
No, I’m not a student. I’m a doctor, ~...
‘So it’s not a family show then?’—‘Well, ~, I think that’s exactly what it is.’
ADV: ADV with cl emphasis
3.
You can use ~ when you are politely expressing an opinion that other people might not have expected from you.
‘Do you think it’s a good idea to socialize with one’s patients?’—‘Actually, I do, I think it’s a great idea.’...
ADV: ADV with cl politeness
4.
You use ~ to introduce a new topic into a conversation.
Well ~, John, I rang you for some advice...
ADV: ADV with cl