From this sputtering start, we struck up a conversation via text messages that graduated to video calls.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2023-04-07/la-affairs-we-lived-apart-but-traveled-the-world-together

He didn’t share any specific plans for overhauling the current engine that is still sputtering.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rahul-gandhis-american-yatra-another-howdy-modi-moment-8652479/

Lydia’s ageing fiancé, Charles, was very popular with the audience at Bembridge and had us all laughing at his puffing and sputtering after his ascent up the stairs to her dressing room.

Source: https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/23527201.review-actress-bembridge-little-theatre-group/?ref=rss

Mistakes just before and after the first intermission, combined with a suddenly sputtering power play, were the biggest culprits against the Jets.

Source: https://www.reporterherald.com/2023/12/07/avalanche-mistakes-sputtering-power-play-jets-loss/

The rugged chassis of the Nigerian has absorbed the shock and he is moving on, even if with sputtering bouts.

Source: https://www.tell.ng/asari-dokubo-in-aso-rock-villa/

The Steelers come off their bye week to face the Los Angeles Rams, hoping to get their sputtering offense going against a defense that is about middle of the pack.

Source: https://steelersdepot.com/2023/10/scouting-report-rams-have-distinct-defensive-personality/