To get stuck

J

Jean Francoix

Banned
french/Belgium
Hello,

I couldn't say a word, I was stuck or I got stuck. Which one is suitable in this case ? Could you please enlighten me.

Thank you

Jean Francoix
 
    • "Was stuck" suggests that the problem occurred over an unspecific time; it focuses on the state of being stuck.

    "Got stuck" refers to the start of the problem; it focuses on the act of becoming stuck.

    I would not use "stuck" in this context. If I didn't know what to say or I couldn't speak, I might say I was speechless or something like that.

    Cheers.
     
    Hi,

    I was stuck for words (this is what you are trying to say)

    I was speechless (means I couldn't say anything, it is like someone had said something that suprised or shocked you..It left you speechless)

    I was lost for words (means the same as I was speechless)

    All these expressions are used a lot in English



    You can say words fail me which means I don't know what to say about the situation

    However I have never heard of the expression you are past words...
     
    Macymoo said:
    I was lost for words (means the same as I was speechless)

    However I have never heard of the expression you are past words...
    Click to expand...
    I have never heard "past words" in this context, either. I also hear "I was at a loss for words", but I have never heard "I was lost for words". Maybe it's an AE/BE thing.
     
    fenixpollo said:
    I have never heard "past words" either. I also hear "I was at a loss for words", but I have never heard "I was lost for words". Maybe it's an AE/BE thing.
    Click to expand...

    "Be lost for words" is in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.
    As to "be passed for words" it is not there, but have a look at the sentences below. They are copied from the sites: http://westwingstories.com/library/stories/caroline/never.htm
    and
    http://www.fictionalley.org/authors/emilywood/TMATD11.html

    "They were looking into each other's eyes. They were past words. The words they needed would come later. "

    "Hermione wanted to cry, she wanted to look as though she cared , but her grief was past crying , it was past words . He defeated the Dark Lord."

    Maybe it is not a common phrase, but it certainly exists.
     
    It certainly does exist. You are totally right. However, I don't think it's a synonym of "I can't talk" as in "I'm stuck", in the original context.

    It means that words are insufficient to describe the situation or the emotion. It describes a profound emotional state; and I think its use is mainly literary.

    That's my opinion, anyway. :) Cheers.
     
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