Improving Sentence Grammar and Usage

The given sentence is: "Mr. Fogg thought that it is possible to a man to go round the world in eighty days." We need to select the most appropriate option to improve the underlined segment "it is possible to a man".

Let's analyze the original sentence and the underlined part:

• The main verb in the sentence is "thought", which is in the past tense.
• The dependent clause starts with "that it is possible to a man...". The verb in this clause is "is possible", which is in the present tense. There is a tense inconsistency between the main clause and the dependent clause.
• The phrase "possible to a man" is grammatically incorrect and not idiomatic English. The correct structure for expressing possibility for someone is "possible for someone".

Considering these points, we need to correct both the tense and the idiomatic phrase.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option provided:

1. No improvement required

   This option suggests the original sentence is correct. As discussed, the original segment has tense inconsistency and uses an incorrect idiom ("possible to a man"). Therefore, this option is incorrect.

2. it was possible to the man

   This option changes the tense to past ("was possible"), which aligns with the main verb "thought". However, it still uses the incorrect idiom "possible to the man". It also changes "a man" to "the man", which alters the specific meaning slightly, but the primary error is the idiom.

3. it is possible to the man

   This option keeps the tense in the present ("is possible"), which does not align with the past tense "thought". It also uses the incorrect idiom "possible to the man" and changes "a man" to "the man". This option does not improve the sentence.

4. it was possible for a man

   This option makes two key improvements:

   • It changes the tense to past ("was possible"), ensuring consistency with the main verb "thought".
   • It corrects the idiom from "possible to a man" to "possible for a man", which is the standard and correct way to express possibility for someone.

   This option addresses both the tense inconsistency and the incorrect idiom, making the sentence grammatically correct and natural-sounding.

Conclusion on Sentence Improvement

Comparing the options, "it was possible for a man" is the only one that correctly adjusts the tense for consistency with the main verb "thought" and uses the correct idiomatic expression "possible for a man".

The improved sentence becomes: "Mr. Fogg thought that it was possible for a man to go round the world in eighty days."

Revision Table: Evaluating Options

Additional Information: Tense Consistency and Idioms

When you report someone's thoughts or statements made in the past, the verb tense in the dependent clause often shifts back in time (this is called sequence of tenses or backshifting).

• Direct Speech: Mr. Fogg thought, "It is possible for a man to go round the world..."
• Reported Speech: Mr. Fogg thought that it was possible for a man to go round the world...

The structure "it is/was possible for someone to do something" is a common idiomatic expression in English. For example:

• It is possible for us to finish by noon.
• She thought it was possible for her to win the race.

Using "possible to someone" is generally incorrect in this context. "To" is typically used to indicate direction, recipient, or purpose, not the person for whom something is possible.