Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

Laughter is harder to measure. Therefore, the medical impact of humor is not a new concept in medicine. During the 14th century, Henri de Mondeville, professor of surgery, advised, "The doctors should make sure that there is joy and happiness in the patients' lives, allowing their relatives and special friends to cheer them, and by having someone tell them jokes."

About:
, allowing their relatives and special friends to cheer them, and by having someone tell them jokes.
----->
Why do you need "by"? Do you definitely need it?

Thank you in advance.

[Eric Thompson]

Dear learner12: You have a valid question, or point. You don't really need that 'by', since there is no 'by' preceding 'allowing'. So, in the name of parallelism, you don't need it. Likewise, you could put "by's" in front of both 'allowing' and 'having'...But, actually, when I first read your passage, I didn't notice anything wrong...It's a small problem. Ok?--Eric

[learner12]

Dear Eric Thompson:

Thank you so much for your language expert's explanations. I learned a new thing.

Have a nice day!!