According to Brian Stubbs, Book of Mormon language frequently contains lengthy structures of rather awkward English. Some may consider these to be instances of poor grammar, weakness in writing (Ether 12:23-26), or the literary ineptness of a fraudulent author; however, Stubbs sees them as potentially significant support for a translation from a Near Eastern language in an ancient American setting. . . .
English, of course, employs participial phrases: Exercising daily and eating well, he remained healthy. However, the Book of Mormon's use of these participial expressions differs from typical English. Book of Mormon language uses them much more frequently, and some strings of these verbal expressions reach lengths not typical of English, for instance the thirteen consecutive having phrases in Alma 9:19-23--a sentence four verses long. [Brian D. Stubbs, "A Lengthier Treatment of Length," in Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Vol. 5/2 1996, F.A.R.M.S., pp. 82, 86]
Alma 9:19-23 Having . . . having . . . having . . . ([Illustration]): Consecutive "Having" Phrases in Alma 9:19-23. [Brian D. Stubbs, "A Lengthier Treatment of Length," in Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Vol. 5/2 1996, F.A.R.M.S., p. 86]