Colin Firth confuses again The other day I was watching Nanny McPhee and was baffled by a grammatical form used by the character of Colin Firth. Namely, referring to the nanny's wart that seemed to have disapeared he said: - Didn't you used to have two of those? it was strange to see negation in the past tense + "used to" in its past form. I tried to delve into forums but it seems like it's colloquial although not entirely correct. Disclaimer: not to blame Colin Firth :) I was watching with subs and so was it in them. Unfortunately, since "use to" and "used to" are pronounced almost identically I can't make it out myself whether he says correctly :(

Another/ the other Dear native speakers, I'm confused because my book says there should be "the other", but on the Internet there are lots of examples with "another", which is supported by my own experience as I've heard "one after another" several times. I'd be grateful to get some explanation! Thank you! I read the novels by O.Henry one after ... Then I read the novels of William Burroughs one after ...

In/on/at the market Today my question is about prepositions:) While I can understand the difference between "in the market" (physically inside) and "on the market" (generally on sale) I'm confused with "at the market". Could you please explain to me the usage of preposition "at". I saw a number of proper names such as "Molly's at the market" (a bar), "Judy's at the market" (a restaurant), "Showbox at the market" (an entertainment venue), "Nebraska at the market" (a shopping centre) and "Inn at the market", but no rule as when to use it in a common speech. Thank you!

"Literary" questions At the moment I'm reading Tracy Chevalier's "Girl with a pearl earring". I find it highly enjoyable to read in the original. It is so much different from translations however good and professional they are. Especially I'm relishing the authentic English language that I don't have to doubt. However there are still questions emerging, e.g. 1. The first phrase that confused me was: "He was leaning against the threshold". My surprise is that I used to think that a threshold is something below, I mean one can cross the threshold but how can one lean against it? Is it the same as "to lean against the doorpost"? 2. As far as I'm aware the auxiliary verb "shall" isn't really used today but for special cases. At the same time it wasn't for the first time for me to see the following kind of sentence: "I shall have to explain to her." Does it add some particular sense to it when "shall" is used? Actually it's a very interesting observation... Thank you!

Confused with pronouns There are two sentences that I find very similar to each other in meaning but still there must be some trick if they give both of them. I'm supposed to insert some/any/no. 1. Will you have ... more tea? - Thank you. 2. Will you have ... more tea? You've had only one cup. For the 1st one I think it's "some" as it's a usual offer of something to eat/drink. For the 2nd one I guess it should be "any" but still don't understand why it can't be "some" as well. Another thing is the following extract: "Let's go back home. It's late." - "I'd rather stay out a little longer." - "I suppose we've got to go home ... time." Is it "some" that should be here?

Explain, please! Recently I've found it in my news feed on facebook. Just got interested what it means :) Go easy on the egg nog. You never know what could go down...

Tenses confusion Native speakers, be so kind to check whether I used Past Simple or Present Perfect correcly! I've done a really huge exercise but still have some uncertainty on a number of sentences. So here they are: 1. Simon is not at home. He’s gone to a football match. 2. I’ve ordered a taxi. So we’ll be on time. 3. Peter hasn’t eaten all the bread and butter. He’s left some on the plate. 4. My watch has stopped. I must take it to the watchmaker’s. 5. We’ve run out of sugar. Can you go and get some? 6. Why are you limping? – I’ve twisted my ankle. 7. I’ve lost a button. I don’t suppose I’ll ever find it. 8. All the shirts you sent your father have fit him perfectly so far. 9. John whose grades are the highest in the school received a scholarship. 10. Jerry has failed his exams. He’ll have to take them again. 11. My computer has broken down again. It’s time for me to buy a new one. *12. I can’t afford a holiday abroad until I (pay) back all my debts. * I don't understand completely what they wanted me to do in the last sentence as for me the form should be just "pay" i.e. Present Simple --> I can’t afford a holiday abroad until I pay back all my debts.

Attic vs. garret Native speakers, please, help! Could you explain the difference and give examples of both in a sentence. When and which word is more preferable? Maybe one of them is old-fashioned or not so widely used?

Please, explain the difference! I'm a little bit confused with how to use such French words as "un désir, un envie, un souhait et une volonté". Could you please explain the difference as clear as possible and give examples! Merci beaucoup d'avance! The other word chain is "souci" vs "soin".