count
verb (used with object)
to check over (the separate units or groups of a collection) one by one to determine the total number; add up; enumerate.
had been counting
-
past perfect progressiveof count.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.
Iranian officials, who had been counting on Beijing’s rhetorical cover, took notice.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026
That includes any softening in the Fed’s language around future rate cuts, a signal that even the modest easing Wall Street had been counting on later this year is now in doubt.
From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026
Losing Wingfield will undoubtedly deal a significant blow to USC, which had been counting on Wingfield to step into a starting role along the offensive line.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2025
On another occasion, a guard brought a cake for her son, who had been counting down the days to his birthday.
From BBC ● Dec. 7, 2024
I had been counting on Mom and Dad to get us out, but I now knew I had to do it on my own.
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
