Sometimes words are used in ways we don't expect.

This week Mountain Kuang is puzzled by the use of the word 'spared' in this sentence:

My grandmother was spared the humiliation of those high, grey walls by eight or ten years.

Here's another example of the word 'spared' used in a similar way:

Thanks for reminding me about Judy's birthday. You spared me the embarrassment of arriving without a present.

Listen to the programme to understand the use of 'spare' and 'spared' in different contexts, with examples.

If you have a question you'd like us to answer, you can write to us or email: questions.chinaelt@bbc.co.uk