Can I use especially in the first sentence?

[Elata]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #102 "The Parliamentary Candidate (4)", question 2

'Do you like tomatoes?' shouted one of the tractor drivers. Henry ......... for a moment and then replied: 'Yes, I like them very much.'

(a) delayed
(b) stumbled
(c) stated
(d) hesitated

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #102 "The Parliamentary Candidate (4)", answer 2

'Do you like tomatoes?' shouted one of the tractor drivers. Henry hesitated for a moment and then replied: 'Yes, I like them very much.'

Correct answer: (d) hesitated
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Can I use especially in the first sentence?

[Alan]

Hi,

If you like

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Vladimir13]

Hi teachers,

I have a little question. Why 'stumbled' is not correct here?

Thanks a lot,
Vladimir.
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My little horse must think it queer...

[Beeesneees]

He did not stumble over his words (make a mistake when speaking). He paused before speaking.
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Vladimir13]

Hi Beeesneees,

As I can understand, your reply is relying on implication of the whole story through the test?
I can't say: Henry stumbled for a moment and then... because of an existing grammatical error?

Thank you,
Vladimir.
_________________
My little horse must think it queer...

[Beeesneees]

'Stumbled' does not work with a pause.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett