check
verb (used with object)
to stop or arrest the motion of suddenly or forcibly.
had been checking
-
past perfect progressiveof check.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.
An immigration judge ordered Villegas, who is from Panama, released on a $5,000 bond the following month and he had been checking in with ICE since then.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026
Philippa reported the incident to the receptionist the following day, who told her he was the one who had entered her room that night and had been checking in another guest.
From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2026
It was clear the last person using it had been checking their email.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 8, 2024
Ron Racki, 72, had been checking on Young, and he told her he’d arrange an emergency covering for her house.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 30, 2022
Kyle had been checking out the red and maroon piles.
From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein
