call
verb (used with object)
to cry out in a loud voice; shout.
had been calling
-
past perfect progressiveof call.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.
Eaton wildfire survivors and other groups had been calling on Newsom for weeks to unveil the legislation so that they could see the details.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026
A number of people in the local community had been calling for a helicopter to be brought in.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
Wilson had been calling for Mussafer to relinquish his board seat.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026
Even the most strident voices that had been calling for interest-rate cuts now say a wait-and-see stance is preferable, given the ever-changing prospects for ending the conflict with Iran.
From Barron's ● Apr. 17, 2026
I had not recognized it; for one thing the Orgota could say I. Someone had been calling it at intervals ever since the door was unlocked.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
