had been collecting
- past perfect progressive of collect.
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.
Can the SSA reduce my benefits based on earnings after I had already reached full retirement age and had been collecting benefits for seven years?
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026
Mia Cooper gathered report cards from her daughter’s first through third grade, documentation of student committees Honey had participated in and principal awards she had been collecting since first grade.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2026
She walked over to her dresser, the top of which held a few small glass sculptures of dolphins with iridescent eyes that she had been collecting off and on for more than a decade.
From Slate ● Nov. 15, 2025
On Tuesday, a doctor at Muhimbili Hospital in Dar es Salaam told the BBC that vehicles marked "Municipal Burial Services" had been collecting bodies of those believed to have died in the protests.
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2025
Joan had been collecting Regina’s checks and then banking them for her so that she’d have a small nest egg when she returned to the United States.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
