Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ramoba had been drumming for acid jazz and big band outfits when a friend suggested he audition for BLK JKS.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 3, 2010
They look as though he had been drumming a piano all his life.
From Flower of the North A Modern Romance by James Oliver Curwood
He had been drumming upon Wogan's sheet of paper, and the writing on the sheet had suddenly attracted his notice.
From Clementina by A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason
Reginald Stanford dropped the paper-knife he had been drumming with, and stared blankly at Captain Danton.
From Kate Danton, or, Captain Danton's Daughters A Novel by May Agnes Fleming
The Earl looked up swiftly and checked his fingers, which had been drumming on the table.
From The Blue Pavilions by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
