borrow
verb (used with object)
to take or obtain with the promise to return the same or an equivalent.
had been borrowing
-
past perfect progressiveof borrow.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.
Giving evidence at Bristol Crown Court, Mr Cilliers told jurors he had been borrowing money from his wife in addition to taking out high-interest payday loans.
From BBC ● May 15, 2018
On 18 July, four days after Claire Hart moved out, Lance returned a rental car he had been borrowing, on time, to avoid the late fee.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 17, 2017
“I’ve enrolled people who have cancer, heart problems, diabetes - you name it. One gal had been borrowing money from her family for cancer treatments before she enrolled. These are people who really need this.”
From Washington Times ● Jun. 25, 2015
Several analysts said that it appeared the company had been borrowing through off-the-books affiliates, perhaps making its balance sheet look stronger than it was.
From New York Times ● Mar. 13, 2015
About this time he also discovered that Eugene had been borrowing money at usurious interest to pay debts he had contracted, and he was so indignant that he ordered him to leave his house.
From Paris: With Pen and Pencil Its People and Literature, Its Life and Business by David W. Bartlett
