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
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
Border Patrol agent who had been clearing the area around the courthouse.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 5, 2020
When Ramon ran past and called to them, Matty and the blind man had been clearing out the garden, pulling up the last of the overgrown pea vines.
From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry
