cut
verb (used with object)
to penetrate with or as if with a sharp-edged instrument or object.
had been cutting
-
past perfect progressiveof cut.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.
Instead, Kroenke and his son Josh opted for something else entirely: Arteta was a 37-year-old former Arsenal midfielder who had been cutting his teeth as an assistant coach at Manchester City.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
Phoebe Davidson, who was employed from summer 2021 to summer 2022, said Sweet Lady Jane had been cutting back on its menu and hitching up prices.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 13, 2024
A sand wall has been built around the device in Bollard Quay and Army disposal specialists had been "cutting into the bomb".
From BBC ● Feb. 9, 2023
Before the recent rally, analysts had been cutting their earnings forecasts for tech companies, speculating that a slowing economy would crimp revenues and profits.
From New York Times ● Jan. 24, 2023
He had been cutting and dragging timber all day.
From "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong
