be
verb (used without object)
to exist or live.
had been
-
past perfectof be.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Earlier on Saturday, in a statement posted on its website, the park said its emergency response procedures had been "immediately activated" and it was "working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened".
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
Another woman member who had been campaigning against the men’s bar suddenly decamped to the other side.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026
That cap had been placed as part of a series of regulatory actions in 2018.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 11, 2026
Instead, once the predictable sound and fury had been diluted by City's composure and the swift realisation they were not unnerved by Anfield or the storm raging around the club, this was a surreal experience.
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
She had been so caught up in her work she had totally forgotten the first rule of frybread.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
