clear
adjective
free from darkness, obscurity, or cloudiness; light.
had been clearing
-
past perfect progressiveof clear.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.
She said she had been clearing her yard with a chain saw when Regan called.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
Unifil said the patrol had been clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the village of Ghanduriyah to reconnect isolated positions.
From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026
According to the report, the workers also left glass, ash and other fire debris on the property the crew had been clearing, because they “were in a rush to get to the next site.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 29, 2025
Officials said the man had been clearing debris in a yard and was found face down in 10 inches of water.
From New York Times ● Sep. 28, 2022
He had been clearing the irrigation channels and strengthening the dams, the fork he carried was caked with soil and water.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
