determine
verb (used with object)
to conclude or ascertain, as after reasoning, observation, etc.
had been determining
-
past perfect progressiveof determine.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.
Professor Kasey McCall-Smith said the point of the pre-trial proceedings had been determining "what evidence gets in and what evidence doesn't get in".
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026
The Chukchi had been determining their lives for centuries, and their reindeer helped them do so.
From The New Yorker ● Aug. 15, 2019
OPA Inspector William Bennett, arrested for speeding, said he had been determining whether the law was being enforced, promptly learned that it was, paid a $15 fine.
From Time Magazine Archive
While she had been determining to submit, to be good, they, her father and stepmother, were discussing her, wishing to be rid of her, owning her a burden.
From Unlucky A Fragment of a Girl's Life by Caroline Austin
During all the wet, and feverish, and sleepless night he had been determining what to do, and the event of this morning confirmed him still further.
From Julian Home by F. W. (Frederic William) Farrar
