Is there a difference in meaning between these two sentences

Is there a difference in meaning between these two sentences, "I was watching a movie BY eating some popcorn" and "I was watching a movie eating some popcorn"? Is adding or removing the "by" make a difference in meaning? If not, are they the same?

 Yes, there is a difference in meaning between the two sentences:

1. "I was watching a movie by eating some popcorn."

   - This suggests that eating some popcorn is the method by which you were watching the movie. It implies a cause-and-effect relationship where eating popcorn is instrumental to watching the movie, which doesn't quite make logical sense since eating popcorn is not a method for watching a movie. This sentence is grammatically correct but semantically odd.

2. "I was watching a movie eating some popcorn."

   - This simply describes two actions happening at the same time: watching a movie and eating some popcorn. It means that while you were watching the movie, you were also eating popcorn. This sentence is natural and commonly used.

So, adding "by" introduces a method or means relationship which is not appropriate in this context, whereas omitting "by" just describes simultaneous actions, which makes sense here. Therefore, the sentences are not the same, and the removal of "by" changes the meaning to a more logical and natural one.

What is The Canterbury Tales about short summary?

"The Canterbury Tales" is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. The frame narrative revolves around a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. 

To pass the time on their journey, each pilgrim tells a tale, resulting in a diverse array of narratives that reflect various aspects of medieval society. The tales range from comedic and bawdy to moralistic and romantic, offering insights into the social, political, and religious dynamics of Chaucer's time. 

Through these stories, Chaucer provides a rich tapestry of medieval life and human nature.