examine
verb (used with object)
to inspect or scrutinize carefully.
had been examining
-
past perfect progressiveof examine.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.
The group had been examining the middle finger on Sasaki’s right hand.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced on April 24 that she was suspending the investigation and referring the renovation matter to the Fed’s inspector general, which had been examining the project’s cost overruns since last summer.
From Barron's ● May 4, 2026
Director general Rachel Watson said it had been examining a "wealth of evidence" and would assess whether any independent conduct investigations should be carried out.
From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2026
Ms. Bates said that investigators told her that they had been examining DNA evidence in the case, although she did not know if DNA had linked Mr. Wilkerson to the crime.
From New York Times ● Feb. 24, 2023
Hermione dropped her spoon and pulled toward her the sheaf of notes and maps that she and Ron had been examining when Harry had entered the kitchen.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
