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.
“My gosh, we did this!” exclaimed Protect HB co-chair Pat Goodman, who had been checking people in at the door just a few moments earlier.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2025
It was clear the last person using it had been checking their email.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 8, 2024
“Literally had been checking the mailbox five times a day and then I got this random DM yesterday,” the golfer wrote.
From New York Times ● Jan. 3, 2023
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
I suppose he had been checking on the safe-suit.
From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien
