Question

Which of the following is the best paraphrase of the sentence: 'If mine had been a sorrow to be chased away by any fleeting circumstance, this excursion would certainly have had the effect intended by my father'?

1) If my sorrow could have been eliminated by any temporary situation, this trip would have achieved the desired outcome according to my father.
2) If my sadness could have been overcome by any passing event, this journey would have definitely had the desired effect as intended by my father.
3) If my grief could have been dispelled by any fleeting circumstance, this excursion would have certainly achieved the intended result according to my father.
4) If my sorrow could have been chased away by any temporary situation, this trip would have definitely had the desired effect as intended by my father.

Answer 1

The best paraphrase of the sentence is captured in option 1: 'If my sorrow could have been eliminated by any temporary situation, this trip would have achieved the desired outcome according to my father'

Step-by-step explanation:

'If mine had been a sorrow to be chased away by any fleeting circumstance, this excursion would certainly have had the effect intended by my father' means that if the sorrow could have been eliminated by any temporary situation, then the trip would have achieved the desired outcome according to the father. Among the given options, option 1: 'If my sorrow could have been eliminated by any temporary situation, this trip would have achieved the desired outcome according to my father' is the best paraphrase of the sentence. It captures the original meaning by expressing the condition and outcome in a clear and concise manner.