stutter

Everyday

1. To stutter is to speak with sudden stops or by repeating the first sounds of words, like «b-b-ball», without meaning to. tree →
2. A stutter is this way of speaking, which some people have for a long time. tree →
3. An engine or machine stutters when it runs in short, uneven bursts. tree →

In the lessons

In health and kindness lessons, a stutter is a speech difference, not a sign of being nervous or less clever; be patient and let the person finish. Speech therapists help people who stutter. In stories, a nervous character may stutter. Phrases: «speak with a stutter».

Examples

• He has a stutter, so we let him finish his sentences. tree →
• «I-I-I don't know,» she stuttered. tree →
• A speech therapist helps children who stutter. tree →
• Never laugh at someone's stutter. tree →
• The old car's engine stuttered and stopped. tree →
• When I am scared I sometimes stutter. tree →
• Many famous people have had a stutter. tree →
• As soon as he regained the use of his senses, he said, trembling and stuttering from fright: tree →

Note

Regular verb, double t: «stuttered», «stuttering». «Stammer» means the same (more common in the UK). Myth: stuttering is not caused by being silly or by poor parenting. Don't finish words for someone unless they want you to.