What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
splutter
Example
He spluttered out a mouthful of water after laughing too hard. [spluttered: past tense verb]
Example
The actor spluttered with rage when he heard the negative review. [spluttered: past participle verb]
Example
The old car spluttered and coughed as it tried to start. [spluttered: past tense verb]
wheeze
Example
She could hear her grandfather wheezing from across the room. [wheezing: present participle verb]
Example
The old fan wheezed and groaned as it tried to cool the room. [wheezed: past tense verb]
Example
The asthmatic patient struggled to speak without wheezing. [wheezing: gerund noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wheeze is more commonly used than splutter in everyday language. Wheeze is often used in medical contexts to describe respiratory issues, while splutter is less common and has a more limited range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between splutter and wheeze?
Both splutter and wheeze are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts.
