To allow

Question

Before you can start haemodialysis there needs to be a way to remove blood from your body, to allow it to be cleaned using the dialysis machine, and then returned back to you.

https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/Downloads/pdf/PiRenalVascularAccess.pdf

Please explain the use of commas before "to allow..." and "and then...".

What is the subject for those two comma separated infinitives?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

JigneshbharatiPlease explain the use of commas before "to allow..." and "and then...".
Before you can start haemodialysis there needs to be a way to remove blood from your body, (a way) to allow it to be cleaned using the dialysis machine, and then (a way) (to be) returned back to you.

Commas are used to separate the items in a series.

We like to eat salads, fruits, and desserts.
These animals are found in India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
__________

This is true even if the items are infinitive clauses.

There must be a way to remove blood, to clean it, and to return it.

The example you quoted above is a little more complex than my example immediately above, especially since a few words are not stated but only implied (in blue), but the general principle is the same.

CJ

To allow

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