In the following sentence improvement question, the underlined part is here and there: Having run here and there in rage, he stood defeated, his cries suppressed into sobs. Choose the best replacement, or select No improvement if the phrase is already correct.

Introduction / Context:
This sentence improvement question focuses on choosing the most vivid and idiomatic phrase to describe disorganised movement caused by strong emotion. The sentence is Having run here and there in rage, he stood defeated, his cries suppressed into sobs. The underlined phrase here and there is understandable but does not fully capture the sense of frantic, chaotic running that the context suggests. The options provide several idiomatic alternatives, and you must choose the one that best fits the tone of anger and confusion.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: Having run here and there in rage, he stood defeated, his cries suppressed into sobs.
• Underlined phrase: here and there.
• Options: to and fro, helter-skelter, far and wide, No improvement, round and round.
• Context: A person is overcome by rage, moving restlessly before collapsing into defeat.

Concept / Approach:
Helter-skelter is an idiomatic expression that means in a confused, disorderly, or hurried way. It is often used to describe chaotic movement, especially under emotional stress. To and fro suggests movement back and forth in a more regular pattern, far and wide is used mainly for searching or spreading over a large area, and round and round implies circular motion. Here and there is vague and weak for this intense emotional context. Therefore, helter-skelter is the most expressive and appropriate choice to show emotional turmoil and lack of direction.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the improved sentence: Having run helter-skelter in rage, he stood defeated, his cries suppressed into sobs. The phrase helter-skelter immediately creates a stronger image of wild, purposeless movement driven by anger. In contrast, Having run here and there in rage sounds flat and less descriptive. To and fro would suggest a regular, almost controlled pacing rather than chaotic running. This confirms that helter-skelter most effectively conveys the intended scene.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (to and fro) implies movement back and forth along a line, often in thought or mild agitation, but not necessarily the violent confusion suggested by rage. Option C (far and wide) is usually used for searching or spreading over a broad region and does not describe emotional restlessness. Option D (No improvement) is not ideal because here and there is too weak and non-idiomatic for the dramatic context. Option E (round and round) would suggest running in circles, which is not clearly implied in the sentence and might even make the image comical rather than serious.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes pick No improvement simply because the original phrase is grammatically correct, forgetting that improvement questions test not just grammar but also style and idiomatic usage. Another pitfall is choosing to and fro because it is a familiar expression, without reflecting on whether it captures the emotional intensity of rage. To avoid such mistakes, always match the emotional tone and imagery of the sentence with the most expressive and appropriate idiom available in the options.

Final Answer:
The best improvement is helter-skelter, giving: Having run helter-skelter in rage, he stood defeated, his cries suppressed into sobs.