had been exacting
- past perfect progressive of exact.
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.
His next exploit was to fight and conquer the Minyans, who had been exacting a burdensome tribute from the Thebans.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
If he had been exacting and ambitious, if his appetite had been large and his knowledge various, he would probably have found the bounds of Salem intolerably narrow.
From Hawthorne (English Men of Letters Series) by James, Henry
Mrs. Webb had been exacting in the few things she taught, especially arithmetic.
From A Little Girl in Old Boston by Douglas, Amanda Minnie
He had been exacting before, and had caused a good deal of growling among the officers and comment among the women.
From The Deserter by King, Charles
His day's work had been exacting, and he was doubly tired.
From 'Smiles' A Rose of the Cumberlands by Taylor, H. Weston
