cling
verb (used without object)
to adhere closely; stick to.
had been clinging
-
past perfect progressiveof cling.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.
Mrs Fenton argued that the man had been clinging to the outside of the motorhome rather than being inside it.
From BBC ● Mar. 16, 2025
Firefighters said all all the migrants, including a child, who had been clinging to the rocks after their boat smashed into the reef late Friday early Saturday, were saved.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 6, 2023
Hungary had been clinging on to a 1-0 lead from Roland Sallai’s early goal for much of the match, before England fell apart in the latter stages.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 14, 2022
Southwest of Sumas, Washington, a 59-year-old man from Everson identified by police as Jose Garcia remained missing after his truck was swept into a flooded field and he had been clinging to a tree.
From The Guardian ● Nov. 17, 2021
A second before, Aunt Maud had been clinging to the wagon side, jigging home with the rest of us.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
