This paper focuses on the pragmatic functions of the discourse marker WELL in verbal communication. After the analysis of the lines in Desperate Housewife it is found WELL can act respectively as a mitigator of face-threatening acts, insufficiency marker as well as the discourse unit. Such a study helps us to rethink about the functions of the small words in interaction, which are of crucial importance to reveal the dynamic process of verbal communication. This paper focuses on the pragmatic functions of the discourse marker WELL in verbal communication. After the analysis of the lines in Desperate Housewife it is found as a mitigator of face-threatening acts, insufficiency marker as well as the discourse unit. Such a study helps us to rethink about the functions of the small words in interaction, which are of crucial importance to reveal the dynamic process of verbal communication.