12.4 Grammar. Active or passive tenses.
BUSINESS MAGNET’S SON IN SLEAZE SCANDAL.
Intense speculation has begun, about what will be the reaction from the family of Raji Fred, after it was reported this morning that the only son and heir to the family fortune, Ali Fred was seen drunk in a Soho night-spot. The Fred dynasty from the Free People’s Republic of Zangonia have, for many years been established as one of the region’s most powerful and influential families. Raji Fred, who moved to Britain in the late seventies, runs a vast network of business enterprises, holds sway within the Bilderberg Group and is on intimate terms with both the President of America and the royal family. Such a scandal, if verified, could / might / may have serious repercussions, and could / might / may dent the family’s reputation. Raji’s son Ali, is believed to be in London on a cultural immersion course prior to the wedding with Lady Sara Winthorpe, the Queen’s niece.
As yet unconfirmed sources have described the twenty-four year old as having ‘drunkenly fondled [1] women’ whilst attending (gerund after the preposition) a strip-tease show in one of Soho’s less reputable establishments. Likewise, there is intense speculation regarding a reported kidnap complot. Further details or comments from either the Freds or the royal family are / were unavailable at the time of going to press.
[1] To fondle to touch in a very affectionate, loving way. This verb, and to caress, are really only used to talk about the behaviour of lovers. To embrace or put your arms around someone, whether it is a lover, friend or family member, would be to hug or to cuddle, which can both be used as nouns too. ‘I gave her a big hug before saying goodbye.’ With a cat or domestic animal, the most appropriate verb would be to stroke. To pet is another possibility, which could be used to describe either affectionate touching between humans or animals.