collect
verb (used with object)
to gather together; assemble.
had been collecting
-
past perfect progressiveof collect.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.
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
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
The person said HPS had been collecting payments on the loans until this year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025
Ms Pritchard told the BBC she had been collecting her recycling rubbish and storing it indoors since the strike began.
From BBC ● Jul. 3, 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
