Have of being exposed
"The murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia demonstrates the danger that journalists face in the pursuit of truth. It also demonstrates the fear that the corrupt and powerful have of being exposed." (The Guardian.)
Is "have of being exposed" a verb phrase? Shouldn't it be "...the corrupt and powerful have been being exposed", instead?
Top answer
No. Consider this simpler example . Mary's scheme demonstrates the fear she has of spiders.
- No.
- Consider this simpler example .
- Mary's scheme demonstrates the fear she has of spiders.
- The bold phrase modifies 'fear'.
- Now parse the original sentence the same way.
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No.
Consider this simpler example. Mary's scheme demonstrates the fear she has of spiders. The bold phrase modifies 'fear'.
Now parse the original sentence the same way.
It also demonstrates the fear that the corrupt and powerful have of being exposed. The bold phrase modifies 'fear'.
You could reword it as It also
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