Hurdles and Hurtles: Jump or Zoom?

Hurdle vs. Hurtle

Today, we will learn about two words: hurdle and hurtle. These words sound alike but have different meanings and uses.

History

Hurdle: This word comes from Old English “hyrdel,” which means “a frame of twigs.” In old times, people used hurdles to jump in sports.

Hurtle: This word comes from Middle English “hurtlen,” which means “to come fast.” It is linked to a word that means to crash.

How to Use

Hurdle: A hurdle can be an obstacle you jump over in a race. It can also mean a problem you need to solve.

Hurtle: To hurtle means to move very quickly, often in a dangerous or uncontrolled way.

Example Sentences for “Hurdle”

• The runner jumped over the hurdle easily.
• Getting a job can be a big hurdle for many people.
• She faced many hurdles in her career but never gave up.
• There is a big hurdle in the middle of the road.
• We need to find a way to overcome this hurdle.

Example Sentences for “Hurtle”

• The car hurtled down the road at high speed.
• The rock hurtled through the air and hit the ground.
• They watched the ball hurtle towards the goal.
• He hurtled out of the house and into the rain.
• The spacecraft hurtled towards the planet.

Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think about this: A hurdle is something you jump over, while hurtle is like a “fast turtle” moving quickly (but not slowly like a real turtle).

Summary

Hurdle: An obstacle or problem; to jump over something.

Hurtle: To move quickly and in a rushed way.

By using these tips and examples, you can easily remember how to use hurdle and hurtle correctly. Happy learning!