cry
verb (used without object)
to utter inarticulate sounds, especially of lamentation, grief, or suffering, usually with tears.
had been crying
-
past perfect progressiveof cry.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.
“I could tell he had been crying, and I said, ’What’s going on?
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2025
In a highly unusual move, Catherine pulled over her convoy to speak to three-year-old Lily-Rose, who had been crying out "hello princess" as the royal left a knitwear and sock making factory.
From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2025
I had been crying and upset, thinking that by the time I arrived at school, I would try to pull it together for the sake of the kids.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 17, 2025
Mrs Allan said she looked "absolutely exhausted" and she could see she had been crying.
From BBC ● Jan. 9, 2024
I saw her face up close, and it was red and blotchy, which meant she had been crying and was unhappy still.
From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd
