cough
verb (used without object)
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
had been coughing
-
past perfect progressiveof cough.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.
It was at that point the mother said the baby had been coughing and not eating all day, and the rush to get medical help began.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 23, 2021
Zoo Atlanta had announced the first positive tests among the western lowland gorillas on Friday after employees noticed the gorillas had been coughing, had runny noses and showed changes in appetite.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 14, 2021
Zoo Atlanta said Friday that employees noticed the gorillas had been coughing, had runny noses and showed changes in appetite.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 11, 2021
The older woman pointed across the aisle to where she had been sitting and said the woman behind her had been coughing.
From New York Times ● Apr. 15, 2020
Ramon had been coughing, feverish-looking, and increasingly unwell for days now.
From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry
