expand
verb (used with object)
to increase in extent, size, volume, scope, etc..
had been expanding
-
past perfect progressiveof expand.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.
He added that Iran had been "expanding" its attacks in the region and that he expected the war to continue "for some weeks".
From BBC ● Mar. 31, 2026
In the book, Holder recalled that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had been expanding voting opportunities since the day it was signed, with Congress reauthorizing the act to ensure that progress continued.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 6, 2022
Its rapid economic decline has been all the more shocking because, before this crisis, the economy had been expanding, with a growing, comfortable middle class.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 15, 2022
But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that in recent years, exchanges and cooperation between Beijing and the island nations had been expanding in a development that was welcomed by the Pacific countries.
From Seattle Times ● May 26, 2022
It was a double difference, too; for all the while that he had been shrinking in self-knowledge, his reputation at home had been expanding like a cucumber.
From The Mayor of Troy by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
