assist
verb (used with object)
to give support or aid to; help.
had been assisting
-
past perfect progressiveof assist.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Turkish authorities said they had been assisting the vessels, and released footage showing two of its own boats trying to extinguish the fire on the Kairos.
From BBC ● Nov. 29, 2025
The FBI’s fugitive task force had been assisting local police in the search for the suspect, Joliet Police Chief William Evans said.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 23, 2024
Mr. Milchan said he had been assisting Israel in security matters from the 1960s up until today, adding, “I cannot elaborate on how many things Netanyahu and I did, secretly, for the country.”
From New York Times ● Jun. 25, 2023
In September, police attempted to arrest Álvarez, a former Sandinista rebel who had been assisting the families of political prisoners.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 9, 2023
Rodney, try how he might, could not erase from his mind, so quickly as he wished, the impression that he had been assisting at some hideous nightmare.
From A Master of Deception by Richard Marsh
