Simple:
* The old car sputtered and died on the highway.
* He sputtered in anger, unable to find the right words.
Descriptive:
* The engine sputtered and coughed, threatening to give out altogether.
* She sputtered with indignation, her face turning red.
Figurative:
* The light bulb sputtered and flickered before going out completely.
* The conversation sputtered out, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.
In a dialogue:
* "You... you... you stole my idea!" he sputtered, his voice rising in anger.
* "I... I... I don't know what you're talking about," she sputtered, her eyes darting nervously.
In a story:
* The old man's voice sputtered and cracked as he told his tale, his memories fading like the embers in the fireplace.
* The flame of the candle sputtered and died, plunging the room into darkness.
These are just a few examples. The best way to use "sputtered" is to consider the context and choose a sentence that best fits your meaning.